if* \^ 



,-5^ "% 



^^^ ''^^. 






Horses, Cattle, 



SHEEP AND SWINE. 



Origin, History, Improvement, Description, Characteristics, 

Merits, Objections, Adaptability South, Etc., 

OF each of the different breeds. 



Hints on Selection, Care and Management, 

INCLUDING — 

METHODS OF PRACTICAL BREEDERS 

IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. 



^1 



rA ' ILLUSTRATED 

1 

/ BY 

GEO. W. CURTIS, M. S. A., 

Professor of Agriculture in the Agricultural and 

Mechanical College of Texas. 




PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, 

College Station, Brazos County, Texas. 

1888. 



Copyright, 1888, 
By GEO. W. CURTIS. 

(All Rights Reserved.) 



PREFACE. 



From early boyhood I have been a lover of good stock, familiar with the every- 
day, practical work in handling and feeding; and when, as a student in one of our 
agricultural colleges, my attention was first drawn to the need for a suitable text-book 
on domestic animals, I began a more extended study, with the purpose in view 
which I have since striven to accomplish. 

In presenting this volume to the public, I desire especially to acknowledge the 
kindly encouragement received from my co-\vorkers in the line of agricultural instruc- 
tion. Many, like myself, have been giving lectures to their students on the subjects 
treated in these pages, and, from very lack of time, the lectures have been incom- 
plete and unsatisfactory. The urgent requests which have reached me, especially 
during the past year, have greatly encouraged mc to push forward the work. From 
another class — the general stockman and farmer — has come a still more urgent demand 
for information of this character. I have received many inquiries which these pages 
will answer, and, while the successful stockman is one who understands his work, I 
trust all will find much of interest and something of profit in their perusal. 

The statements of actual rnethods pursued by successful breeders in different 
parts of the country, will be found of very great value. There are many young 
farmers, and perhaps some older ones, who are in need of information of a practical 
kind regarding the " points " in handling stock, and for all such, the letters from prac- 
tical men given in the Chapters on Care and Management, are worthy most careful 
study. 

In all assertions as to average weights for the different breeds, it must be remem- 
bered that animals are frequently found which exceed the weights given, and others, 
just as frequently, which fall below them. It is very difficult to make statements of 
this kind which will not be subject, perhaps justly, to criticism from partisans of the 
several breeds; but it has been my aim to give what I believe to be the truth, regard- 
less of whose shoulders it may strike most heavily. 

The statements regarding ease of acclimation in the fever belt, are made after a 
very careful study of the subject for the past five years, and an extensive correspond- 
ence with breeders and importers of northern bred stock — especially cattle — in the 
states bordering the Gulf of Mexico. 

It is believed that full credit has been given for every quotation; but I liesire to 
make especial mention of the Agricultural Press — from many papers I have quoted 
— from all, derived something of value which has aided me in my work. The follow- 
ing list, while it does not include all, represents most of the periodicals, devoted 
wholly or in part to live stock, to which I am in any way indebted: Turf^ Field and 
Farm, New York; Breeder's Gazette, Chicago; National Live-Stock yoitrnal. 



IV PREFACE. 

Chicago; American Agriculturist^ New York; Westerti Agriculturist, Quiiicy, 111.; 
Canadian Live Stock yournal, Hamilton, Ont., Canada; American Sheep Breeder, 
Chicago; Herds and Flecks, Chicago; Hoard'' s Dairyman, Fort Atkinson, Wis.; 
Spirit of the Times, New York; Country Gentleman, Albany, N. Y.; Rural New- 
Yorker, New York; Southern C?/ltivator, Atlanta, Ga. ; American Farmer, Fort 
Wayne, Ind.; Farm and Home, Springfield, Mass.; Breeder'' s yournal, Beecher, III.; 
Texas Farm and Ranch, Dallas; Texas Live- Stock yottrnal. Fort Worth; and the 
Texas Stockman and Farfner, of San Antonio. 

To many breeders I am indebted for information respecting various matters of 
interest, and to each I would express my appreciation of the aid thus kindly given. 
Among others to whom I am indebted in a personal way, I can not fail to mention 
my father, Lyman J. Curtis; to the early training on the farm, under his — at times 
severely strict — direction, I owe much of whatever I have since been able to accom- 
plish; the later instruction of my valued friend. Professor S. A. Knapp, is remembered 
with pleasure and profit. Of more immediate importance, has been the faithful assist- 
ance of my wife; without her aid, relieving me from all details of correspondence and 
clerical work, it would have been impossible to i^ublish this volume for at least another 
year. To my co-worker, Professor F. A. Gulley, I am indebted for valuable sugges- 
tions; to Professor Louis L. Mclnnis, Chairman of our Faculty, for various courtesies; 
and to my assistant, Mr. J. F. Duggar, and Foreman of Farm, Mr. J. H. Alsworth, 
I return thanks for relief from routine \vork which would otherwise have required iny 
personal attention. 

THE AUTHOR. 

State Agrl. and Mechl. College, 
College Station, Tex. 

August, 1888. 



CONTENTS. 



PART FIRST, 



THE DIFFERENT BREEDS OF HORSES 

CHAl'TIZR I. !■ 



Percherons ... 8 

ch.vptkr ii. 
French Draft 12 

chapter iii. 
Belgians 15 

chapter iv. 
Clydesdales 17 

CHAPTER V. 
English Shires 33 

CHAPTER VI. 

Suffolk Punch 35 

chapter vii. 
Cleveland Bays 37 

c1i.\pter viii. 
French Coach 30 



C IIAPTEK I.\. 


PAGI 


Thoroughbreds 


33 


CHAPTER X. 




American Trotters 


42 


CHAPTER XI. 




Orloff Trotters 


64 


CHAPTER XII. 






64 


CHAPTER XIII. 




Welsh Ponies 


66 



chapter xiv. 
Exmoor Ponies 



CHAPTER XV. 



Mexican Ponies 



CHAPTER XVI. 



Indian Ponies. 



chapter xvii. 
Hints on Selection, Care and Management 



73 



PART SECOND. 



THE DIFFERENT BREEDS OP CATTLE 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Holstein-Friesians 



Jersey's. . . . 
Guernseys 
Ayrshires. 



CHAPTER XIX. 
CHAPTER XX. 
CHAPTER XXI. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



Dutch-Belted 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

American Holderness 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



Brown Swiss 

ch.\pter xx\'. 
Brittanies 

chapter xx\t. 

Kerries 110 



102 
105 
108 



CHAPTER XXVII. rAGK 

Shorthorns 113 

chapter xxviii. 



Red Polled 120 

chapter xxix. 
Devons 134 



CHAPTER XXX. 



Longhorns . 



CHAPTER XXXI. 



Normandies 

CHAPTER XXXII. 
North-Wales-Black 



128 

130 

133 

chapter xxxiii. 
Pembrokes 136 

chapter xxxiv. 
Herefords 137 

cii.\pter xxxv. 
Galloways 144 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 
Aberdeen-Angus 



PAGE 

. 148 



Sussex 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 



153 



CHAPTER XXXIX. page 

Brahmins (Zebu) 157 

CHAPTER XL. 

West-Highlands 160 

chapter xli. 
Texans 164 

CHAPTER XLII. 

Hints on Selection, Care and Management 166 



chapter xxxviii. 
Simmenthal 154 



PART THIRD. 



THE DIFFERENT BREEDS OF SHEEP. 



CHAPTER XLIII. page 

Merinos 176 

Atwoods 182 

Paulars 183 

Dickinsons 186 

Black Tops 188 

Delaines 191 

CHAPTER XLIV. 
HORNED-DORSETS 



CHAPTER XLV-. 



CHAPTER XLVI 



SOUTHDOWNS , 



193 

195 
197 



CHAPTER XLVII. page 

Shrop.shires 200 

chapter xlvhi. 
Hampshires 203 



CHAPTER XLIX. 



Oxfordshires 

cotswolds 

Leicesters 

LiNCOLNS . . 



CHAPTER L. 



CII.^PTER LI 



CHAPTER LII. 



CHAPTER LIII. 

Hints on Selection, Care and Manage.ment 



206 
208 
212 
215 
219 



PART FOURTH 



THE DIFFERENT BREEDS OF SWINE. 



CHAPTER Ll\-. PAIE CIL\PTER LXI 

Berkshires 226 Davis-Victorias 

chapter lv. 

Poland-Chinas 229 

chapter lvi. 

Duroc-Jerseys 232 

chapter lvh. 

Chester-Whites 235 

cii.vpter lviii. 

Todd's Improved Chester-Whites 237 

chaptkr li.x. 

Gothlands 239 

chapter lx. 



page 
240 

chapter lxh. 
Chkshires 243 

chapter lxiii. 
Small Yorkshires 244 

chapter lxiv. 
Essex 247 

chapter lxv. 
Neapolitans 249 

chapter lxvi. 
English, or Black Suffolks 249 

chapter lxvii. 



Curtis- Victorias 239 American, or White Suffolks 250 

251 



chapter lxvhi. 
Hints on Selection, Care and Management 



PAI^T FII^SX. 



HORSES. 



DRAFT BREEDS. 



Peroherons Chapter I 

French Dbaft 

Belgians 

Clydesdales 

Knglish Shires 

Suffolk Punch 



II 12 

III 15 

IV 17 

V 22 

VI 25 



HEAVY CARRIAGE BREEDS. 

Cleveland Bays Chapter VII 27 

French Coach " VIII 30 

RUNNING BREEDS. 
Thoroughbreds Chapter IX 33 



TROTTING BREEDS. 

American Trotters Chapter X 42 

Orloff Trotters " XI 64 

SMALL OR PONY BREEDS. 

Shetland Ponies Chapter XII 64 

Welsh Ponies " XIII 66 

ExMOOR Ponies " XIV 67 

Mexican Ponies (Mustangs) " XV 67 

Indian Ponies " XVI 69 

HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT. 

Chapter XVII 73 



PERCHERONS. 



CHAPTER I. 



PERCHERONS. 

The Percheron is an old French breed, long noted for rapid and effective draft 
work, and always supposed to owe much of its excellence to Eastern blood. When 
steps were taken to compile the Percheron Stud Book of France, careful enquiry 
revealed a much greater predominance of Arabian blood than had been previously 
claimed. 

It was then found that — as Mr. Sanders, in his treatise on Horse Breeding, 
puts it — 

" What the Darley Arabian was to the English Thoroughbred, and the gray Arabian Smetanxa 
to the Orloff, the gray Arabian Gallipoli has been to the Percheron horse of France." 

DuHays (American Translation of the Percheron Horse), after expressing his 
belief in its descent from Arabian blood, says: 

"We cannot, however, find in history, the written positive proof that the Percheron is an 
Arab, but we believe it easy by fair historical deduction, to prove what he is in fact." 

The same author, speaking of the iinprovement of the breed, states that: 

"The Percherons must have been especially modified by contact with the breed of Brittany, 
where their striking characteristics are now met with in a large number of individuals." 

In Volume I, of the American Percheron Stud Book, we find this statement: 

" Aside from the history and traditions of the country, the Percheron horse himself furnishes 
unmistakable evidence in his form, disposition, color and general characteristics, that he is closely 
allied to the Arab." 

Again, from the same source, we quote: 

"As the immense draft horses of the North (Flemish) were closelv allied to, if not identical 
with, the large breed that prevailed in Normandy and La Perche, prior to' the modification produced 
by the introduction of the blood of the Arabian and the Bar b, heretofore alluded to, it was very 
natural, that, when the Percheron breeders found it desirable to increase the size of their'horses their 
eyes should be turned toward this kindred race, from which other countries had already drawn so 
heavily for the same purpose. Accordingly we find that mares in large numbers were taken from 
these northern departments, and from Belgium, under the various names of Belgians Boulonnais 
Mares of Picardy, etc., and were bred to the stallions of La Perche. Stallions from the same country 
were also extensively introduced, under various names and of slightly differing types. But notwith- 
standing the multiplicity of names arising from the different departments in which they had been 
bred, and the slight variation in form that existed, they were, after all, nothing more nor less than 
the Flanders Draft Horse-the same blood that had already exercised so potent an influence upon 
the horse stock of Great Britain." 

To sum up then, briefly, there is ample proof of the use of the celebrated Arabian 
stallions (both gray) Godolphin and Gallipoli, in the formation of the Percheron 
breed; and there is little doubt that— like the heavy British breeds— it owes its superior 
size to crosses with the large horse of Flanders. 

Importations to the United States of what are now claimed to have been Perch- 



I'ERCIIEItONS. 




10 PERCHERONS. 

erons, were made as earlv as 1851, but they were called simply French Horses. In 
1866 Mr. W. S. Ficklin, of Charlottesville, Va., imported several Percheron horses 
under their proper name; and in 1868 William T. Walters, of Baltimore, returning 
from France, after a sojourn of several years, brought w.ith him a considerable number 
of these horses; he also caused to be translated and published that interesting little 
work the "Percheron Horse," by Du Hays, from which we have quoted. 

And now a word in regard to the Perchero-Norman controversy. In 1854, one 
of the stallions imported in 1851, under the name of French Horses, was sold to 
Messrs. Dillon & Co., of Normal, 111. This liorse was exhibited with many colts of 
his get at countv and state fairs, imder the name " Norman," and soon obtained a high 
degree of favor am<ing horsemen of Illinois and neighboring States. In this way 
began the confusion of names which has continued more or less uiiabated until within 
the past few years, and is, e\ en now, a mattei' of considerable uncertainty and vexa- 
tion. When the first steps were taken to form an American Stud Book in 1876, it 
was proposed to adopt the name "• Norman." For reasons which he considered satis- 
factory, Mr. wSanders, Secretary of the Association, changed the name to " Percheron 
Norman Stud Book," the Association afterward ratifying the change. Many breeders 
of French horses, however, were in favor of the term Norman, and accordingly 
•\\'ithdrew from the offending society and began the publication of the National 
Register of Norman Horses; all draft horses imported from France being eligible 
for record. There was, if such were possible, greater confusion than before, the 
names Norman, Norman-Percheron, Percheron-Norman, Percheron and French 
Draft, obtaining equal prominence, and, indeed, were used interchangeably as synony- 
mous teiins for the same breed. 

In 1883, the Societe Hifpiquc Perchonne was organized in France, and tlie Per- 
cheron Norman Society immediately, and wisely, adopted the name by which the 
breed is recognized in its native country. The name was thus changed to the Per- 
cheron Society, and their record, the Percheron Stud Book of America. Thus the 
matter of nomenclature rests for the present; each breed has its partisans; both are 
valuable. While we do not propose to decide between them, yet we cannot forbear 
noticing this fact: the Norman Register admits all draft horses imported from France. 
The Percheron Society requires that all animals imported after January 1st, 1884, 
must be recorded in the Percheron Stud Book of France. The value of this restric- 
tion, in preserving the purity of the Percheron breed, is at once apparent, and can- 
not fail to attract favorable notice from all lovers of thoroughbred stock. 

DESCKirriON AND CHARACTERISTICS : 

Color \ aries, grav- mostly dappled — predominating, while there arc many pure 
lilacks and ba\ s, and all shades of grav, from the darkest iron to almost pure white. 
The l)o(l\ is low, square, anil full in all points, with magnificent head, and a neck 
which, for beauty, would not disgrace the proudest of Barbs. Legs are short in 
proportion, and while very massive, arc yet fine and close knit. Percheron breeders 
claim almost perfect immunity from bone and leg diseases, such as ring-bone, splint, 
wind-galls, etc. Oiu' own experience \\ith the breed, particularly with the half 
blood colts from nati\ c marcs, lias not justifietl an admission of this claim, and we feel 



PERCHERONS. 



11 




12 FRENCH DRAFT (NORMAn). 

compelled to state that some breeders, and many who have used the Percheron 
grades for heavy farm or other work, have expressed a belief that the Percherons are 
even more subject to these troubles than some of the other breeds. 

The Percheron is a draft breed, mature stallions weighing from HUM.) to 21(10 
or 2200 pounds, and their get from ordinary mares weighing from 1200 to 1700 or 
1800 pounds, when grown. They are quick, active and intelligent. Some have 
thought them vicious, and we have known a number of ill-tempered representatives 
of the breed ; but it is more than likely that the troublesome temper was caused by 
unskillful or "vicious" grooms. Quite a number have been brought to Texas from 
Northern States, and some imported direct from France; while they stand the 
climate as well as any of the large breeds, yet we cannot say — as do some of their 
partisan breeders — that they acclimate with perfect safety. 

Our illustrations, kindly furnished bv xvlr. Dunham, of Oak Lawn Farm, 
Wavne, 111., represent Brilliant, perhaps the most noted draft stallion ever imported 
to America, and Adelaide, one of Mr. Dunham's finest mares. "Oak Lawn" is one 
of the largest breeding establishments in the world, and its owner spares neither 
time nor expense to keep up and constantlv improve the quality of his stud. 



CHAPTER II. 



FRENCH DRAFT (NORMAN). 

From the chapter on Percherons will be gathered somewhat of the author's 
ideas as to the name and present status of the Norman or French Draft. As there 
stated, the term French Draft includes not only the Percheron, but also the other 
heavy families, or breeds, of French horses. We can see much good sense and con- 
siderable necessity in perpetuating the registry of French Draft horses; many have 
been, and are still being, imported to the United States, which are not eligible to 
record in the Percheron Stud Book, by reason only of nativity in another province 
than Perche ; and many of these horses stand as individuals, and produce a progenv 
second to none of the modern draft breeds. The National Register of Norman 
Horses admits all draft horses of thorough French blood, no matter to what breed 
or family they may belong. We can see no just cause for the apparently intermin- 
able wrangle between those who set themselves up as champions of, and authority 
on, respectively, the French Draft and Percheron breeds. The former includes the 
latter, and the latter is now undoubtedly more closely bred and limited as to registry 
than the former. There is no foundation that we can see for claiming that any breed 
should have exclusive credit for improvement in American draft horses, and there 
is no doubt that very many of the French Draft horses now in the United States 
have no superior among even the most select Percherons. 

The precise origin of the French Draft horse would be hard to trace; so many 
strains or families, all bred out from a common center, and improved in whatever 



14 



FRENCH DRy^FT (NORMAN). 




HEI.GIAX IIUAFT. \i) 

(liiL-tiioii l>cst Miil(.-<1 llic (Icnianils of :in\ |K-iuli;ir l(ic':ilit\ , wnuld iKiluralh tc-iiil ti> 
break somcwliat the liiu- of (Il-scc-hI. AcLDidiiiL; to ^'()uatt, \\ Iki \\ lotc in ISHl, thf 
Province of Xorniaiulv was the une iimsl noted at tliat lime for its horses, the 
French (jovernment hn\ in;^- annnalK from tile Xorman stock for nse in tlie otlier 
15ro\inces. 

Prof. Low, in Ills j^reat work on the Domestic Animals of (jreat Britain, pnh- 
lishcd 1842, noted the same facts, and attrilnUcd it to the helter t,nass and food con- 
ditions found in this province. .\11 the hca\ \ horr<es of the continent, antl throujjh 
these, of the British Islands, ma\ he traced to the low, rich regions of Middle and 
Southwest Europe. The old ISlack Horse of Flanders, doubtless, owed his great 
size to these natural conditions of vegetation, and may very properly be considered 
a sort of mile-post a stepping stone -between tile horses left in that cotnitrv bv 
the warlike nations of Xortheasl Europe in the frequent invasions west and south- 
\vard, ami the modern draft horses of France. 

'{'he first importation of Nonnan horses to the I'nited Slates was made about 
ISHU, but not until 1850-60 were many imported to the Western .Stales; since that 
time, how e\ cr, thc\- have become widclv and faxorablv known. In the South thev 
are better know n than the Percherons and do as w ell in all respects. 

The Xalional Xorman Horse Association, organized in ISTC), was, in 1SS4, 
changed to, and incorporated as, the Xational French Draft Horse Association. C. 
E. Stubl)s, of Fairfield, la., is the ]Mesent Secretarv. 

iiEsciiii'TioN wn 1, iiAKAcrEnisrus : 

As bred and known in the United States, there is so little difference between the 
French Draft and the Percheron, as to preclude any necessity for statement, other than 
has been already given in the preceding chapter ( which sec ). The only point to 
wloJch attention may be called is that there appears to be a \\ ider diversitj- in color, 
and a greater variation from tvpe among French Draft than among Percheron horses. 
In this connection, compare, also, the illustrations of French Draft and Percheron 
horses, all of which have been carefullv selected as representative animals of the 
breeds in question. 



CHAPTER III. 



BELGIAN D R A F T. 

A comparati\ el\ new breed to America, but one which is earning niaiked dis- 
tinction on merit alone. The Belgian Draft is a direct descendant of the original Black 
Horse of Flanders, and has been developed in unison with his neighbor breed, the 
Boulonnais; indeed the latter bids fair to become a member, part and parcel of the 
former. There has been more or less activitv among Belgian importers to the 1 nited 
States since about ISTO. Dr. A. (J. \'an Hoorebekc, of Monmouth, 111., was prob- 



16 



UEI,GIA\ DHAKf. 




CI.VDKSDAI.ES. 17 

alil\ tin' Ih^t til imporl, ami his t-aih iiiipurtaliuns in iStiC) anil ni-\t succeeding years 
\\eic called {{(lulnnnais. Of late years, however, 15el<4iuni has insisted, and rightly, 
(in n'ix in;,; her name to her peculiar horse stock, and the Uoctor's later importations, 
as will as those of Messrs. Massion & Son, of Minonk, 111., and other reliahle im- 
porters, have been under the name In \\ hlch thev are now recognized. 

The ^Vmerican Association of Importers antl Breeders of Belgian Draft Horses 
was organized in 1877, with J. 1). Conner, Jr., of Wabash, Iiid., Secretary. All draft 
horses imported from Belgium prior to January 1st, 1888, on satisfactory proof of 
same, are eligible to registrv. An\- horse imported from Belgium after January 1st, 
1888, is not eligible to registry, unless previously registered in the Government Reg- 
ister of Belgium, known as the Society of Belgian Stock Farmers. Animals bred in 
the United States from registered sires and dams, arc eligible to registrv under the 
rather peculiar caption: "Nati\e I'ull-Bloods."' 

DKSCRtl'TIDN AM) CI I A I! ACTKRISTICS : 

Color, generally bav or brown-black, but sorrel, roan and other colors are occa- 
sionally found. In size, thev are about ecjual to the Perchenm, perhaps somewhat 
larger, say an average of from l,()r)0 to 2,2(10 llis. for mature stallions. The head is 
small and close fleshed; the neck, short and \ er\ powerful; chest, wide and deep; 
back, short and broad, full over the kidneys; hips, long; legs, short with wide Hat 
bone, hea\ y muscle, and feet of proverbial soundness. As compared with the Per- 
cherons, they are more compact — "blocky" — and more nearly round in the body, but, 
\\ ithal, resemble them so closely in man_v points as to warrant a second look, from 
even an expert, before passing judgment as to breed of the animal in question. 

The subject of our illustration is a typical Belgian, and the fact that he was 
selected by the elder !Massion ( who attends personally to all selections for impor- 
tation ) is a sutlicient guarantv of his excellence in the breed to which he belongs. 



CHAPTER IV. 



C L Y D E S D A L E S . 

Like the Perchcron, the French Draft, and in fact all of the other Draft Breeds, 
the Clydesdale owes its original merit to the Black Horse of Flanders — a lineal 
descendant of the great Black Horse of Northern Europe, which, according to Prof. 
Low, inhabited "in the w-ild state, the vast regions of marsh and forest, which 
stretched all through Europe to the Euxine [Black] Sea." The first mention we 
have of large horses in Scotland, is found in a particular edict of " Safe Conduct" 
from King Edward I. issued 1352, and referring to "ten large horses" which were 
ro be taken to Teviotdale. Although it is not deflnitelv stated whence these horses 
came, \'et from the fact that the edict was obtained b\ the Earl of Douglas, it may be 



18 



CLYDESDALES. 




CLYDESDALES. 19 

rcasoiKiliK Inferred tiial tliu liorscs were taken from Douglas Castle in llie nj^per 
])ortii>n of Lanarkshire, otlicrvvise termed Clydesdale; and from the additional fact, 
that the liarl of Doufjlas was an ancestor of that famons breeder of Clydesdales, the 
Duke of Hamilton, we may reasonably suppose that these "ten large horses" were 
an important factor in laying the foundation of the original Lanarkshire breed. 

And now in relation to the use of the Black Horse of Flanders, we have the 
following from the ietros])ecli\e \"i)lume of the Ch'desdalc Stud Book: 

"Some time between 1715 and 1730, John Paterson, of Lochlyoch, on the estate and in the 
Parish of Carmichael, grandson of one John Paterson who died at Lochlyoch in 1682, went to Eng- 
land and brought from thence a Flemish stallion, which is said to have so greatly improved the breed 
in the Upper Ward, as to have made them noted all over Scotland." 

From the same authority we quote : 

"The Lochlyoch mares were generally browns and blacks with white faces and a little white on 
their legs; they had gray hairs in their tails, occasionally gray hairs over their bodies, and invariably 
a white spot on their belly, this latter being recognized as a mark of distinct purity of blood." 

There can be little doubt of the presence of Flemish blood in the present Clydes- 
dale race. But we are strongly inclined to give credit, not so much to the heavy, 
clumsy Black Horse, as to the infusion of some lighter but stronger blood, which has 
given to the breed its well-known courage and action, in marked contrast to the slug- 
gish movements of the old Cart or Lincoln horse of England. The colors of the 
Lochlyoch mares — the last of which died out some thirty-five years ago — considered 
in connection with the predominant bay color of modern Clydesdales, would point 
toward the old Cleveland horse as a probable factor in impro\emcnt, and this view 
is strengthened by many characteristics common to both breeds. 

The name of the breed, Clydesdale, would indicate its restriction to that particular 
locality, but these horses were very generally bred in other portions of Scotland, and 
obtained their name solely from the fact that, in Clydesdale, they \vere earlier brought 
to a high degree of merit and pushed into more prominent notice. 

Importation to America, both Canada and the United States, has been active 
and long continued. Through the kindness of Mr. C. F. Mills, Springfield, 111., the 
present Secretary of the Association, we are enabled to give the following list com- 
prising all of the early importations of Clydes: 

"In 1842, Gray Clyde 78, was imported by Archibald Ward, of Markham, Ontario. 

1845, Sovereign 181, was imported by R.Johnson, Scarboro, Ont. 

1847, Marquis of Clyde 101, was imported by Thomas Summerville, Whitby, Ontario. 

1850, Cumberland lOG was imported by David Roundtree, Jr., Weston, Ontario. 

1854, Bay Wallace 5, was imported by William Cochrane, Claremont, Ontario. 

1855, Clydesdale Jock 33, was imported by John R. Torrence, of Markham, Ontario, and Jock of 
the Side 760, by Simon Conner, of Markham, Ontario. 

1856, Merry Farmer 20, was imported by Mrs. A. Ward, of Markham, Ont., and Byron 197, 
by James Dalziel, of Chesterfield, Ont. 

1857, Rob Roy 90, by Thomas Irving, Montreal, Quebec; and Black Douglas 27, by William 
Miller, Pickering, Ontario. Prior to 1860 a number of very choice Clydesdale stallions were im- 
ported into Ohio by Fulling'on & Co., none of which have been recorded." 

Since 1860 their introiliiction has been very rapid, inid the number bred in 
America has more than kept pace with imported stock. 

The Clydesdale Society of America was organized in 1877, and the first \ olume 



20 



CLYDESDALES. 




CLYDESDALES. 21 

of the American Clydesdale Stud Book, was issued in 1882; imported animals, to he 
eligihle, must be recorded in the Clydesdale Stud Book of Great Britain and Ireland; 
and American bred stallions or marcs must trace to recorded sires or dams, or iiave 
four or ti\c recorded top crosses. 

DESCHII'TtON' AXn CII AK ACIKK ISTICS l)l' MODHKN CIA DICSI) A I.K : 

Color, either bay, bri)\\ii or black, with usuall\ a white strip in the face — "blaze" 
— and more or less white on the feet and l<i\\cr parts of the legs; occasionally there 
is found a dun, chestnut, or even sorrel. The color which may he called peculiar to 
the breed, is a light bay, fading to still lighter liay at the flanks, between the thighs, 
and forward on the belly line. In size they are classed w itii the laigc breeds, stal- 
lions ranging from 1700 to 2100 pounds, and mares from 12(10 to Hillll pounds. In 
appearance the Clydesdale horse is a large, tall, rangy animal, with a long head; 
medium neck; strong legs, heavih fringed with hair below the knee; and long slant- 
ing shoulders — the latter, a point well worth noticing as inclining towai'd greater 
activity than is usual with the large breeds. 

As compared with the Percheron or the French Draft, the Clydesdale horse is 
longer legged, longer bodied, and of more quiet temperament. Our observation and 
experience with the half blood colts from native mares, fully bear out the assertion 
that they are, almost without exception, kind, quiet, intelligent and easily broken. 
One very prominent characteristic is their naturalh- fast walk. The .\mcrican far- 
mer is not slow to appreciate the superior value of a team that will plow three 
acres of ground in a day, as against one that with the same plow, will turn but two 
acres; and this fact has done much to advance the interests of the Clydesdale in 
America. The tendency of late to widen the breach between Clydesdales and 
English Shires has induced breeders of the former to look more to appearance and 
action, and gradually lower the average in weight — thus leaving to breeders of the 
latter a market demand for great weight and appearance, with action somewhat in 
the back ground. 

A point to which many object is the fringe of long hair at the fetlock already 
referred to; the objection, however well founded, has caused certain breeders [to 
attempt a reiluction of the characteristic — with what success, remains to be seen. 
In the South, the Clydes are, perhaps, not so well knowMi as the French Draft; but 
the few shipments made are said to have done remarkably w-ell. It is claimed, indeed, 
that no other horse of the heavy breeds can so well endure the Southern climate. 

The engravings give an accurate idea of representative Clydesdales, and illus- 
trate at the same time the superior character of Galbraith Brothers'' stud. 



22 ENGLISH SHIRES. 



CHAPTER V. 



E X G L I S H SHIRES. 

From the preceding chapter un Clydesdales, we ha\e seen that all of the 
modern draft breeds are descended from the great Black Horse of Northern Europe) 
with such modifications as different soils, vegetation, climate and care would induce. 
Referring to this breed, Prof. Low, of Edinburgh (already quoted), writing in 1842, 
after speaking of its occupying the entire ^\•est and southwest portions of the 
mainland, says: 

"The same widely-spread race extends into England, where it presents itself with the same 
general characters as in the ancient countries of the Belgic Gauls, the Batavi, the Frisiandones, and 
others. It is found in numbers from the Humber to the Cam, occupying the rich fens of Lincoln 
and Cambridge, and extending westward through the Counties of Huntingdon, Northampton, 
Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Warwick and Stafford to the .Severn. Although most abundant in 
districts of rich pastures, it has extended northward, and very widely southward into the counties of 
the Chalk, retaining the typical characters, but varied with the climate, food, and other circum- 
stances affecting its culture and condition. In the commons and poorer grounds it presents the 
coarse pack-horse form, distinctive of the greater part of the older horses of England. But in the 
fens and richer cultivated country, it attains the strength and stature of the largest horses which the 
world produces." 

From these early horses, then, have descended the modern Shires of England; 
but we must look further, under the head of improvement, to find how the unwieldy 
giant Lincolnshire or Black Cart-horse was finally moulded into the handsome, large 
but fairly active horse now known as English Shire. Of the first improvement, we 
get a good idea from Youatt (on the Horse), 1861, who says: 

"All our heavy draft horses, and some even of the lighter kind, have been lately much crossed 
by the Flanders breed, and with evident improvement. Little has been lost in depth and bulk of 
carcase; but the fore hand has been raised, the legs have been flattened and deepened, and very much 
has been gained in activity. The slow, heavy black, with his 2l< miles an hour, has been changed 
into a lighter but yet exceedingly powerful horse, that will step four miles in the same time, and 
with perfect ease, and has considerably more endurance. * * t As the Racer is principally or 
purely of Eastern origin, so has the English Draft horse sprung chiefly from Flemish blood, and to 
that blood the agriculturist has recourse for the perfection of the breed." 

During late years, the iinprovement of the Shire has been very great, breeders 
struggling successfully to secure less bulk with equal ^veight and added muscle. Prob- 
ably the lighter horses of England, as well as the famous medium sized "Dutch 
Mares," have had something to do in bringing about this very desirable change; cer- 
tain it is, that the English Shire of to-day is a horse fit to walk in the front ranks of 
any breed of modern draft horses. 

Importation to America has been slow. Xo yer\' large importations had been 
made up to eight or ten years ago; but since that time, western farmers have 
found out their peculiar worth, and the demand thus created has led to great activity 
in importing circles. Tiie American Shire Horse Association has been lately organ- 



KNGLISH SIIIKES. 



23 




Ifillil 



24 



ENGLISH SHIRES. 




THE SUFFOLK PUNCH. <J5 

izcd, witli C. r>ur-i.s>, of WinoiKi, 111., S(.Licl;ir\ . The first volume of the Enfjlish 
.Stud HcioU for .'^hiic or Cait IIoi>.c>, was pulilisheil in 1880; since which time some 
seven \ (lUimes have appeared a fact which in itself illustrates the remarkable demand 
upim iCuijlish breeders to supply registered Shire stock for American shipment. 

DESCI{ri'TK)\ AND CHAR ACIKKISTICS : 

The full description jjiven of the Clydesdale in preceding chapter, with some few 
ehan-ts, may be accepted as a conect description of the English .Shire. Colors are 
about the same, with, perhaps, a predominance of blacks, browns, and bays; but the 
darker shades of gray, both dappled and steel or iron gray, are more frequently met 
with. The " bla/e," or bald face, and white feet and stockings, are marks common 
to both .Shire and CKde, ami the same is true of the long hair at and above the fet- 
locks, commonly know n as the " feather." English breeders adhere with rigid tenacity 
to their faith in purit\ of blood, as shown by the feather; while American importers 
and breeders are as surelv convinced that the feather is not only worthless but posit- 
ively injurious, by reason of keeping the feet in foul condition unless carefully cleaned 
and attended to. We can honestly admire the silken fringe of soft feather, but we 
must express our belief that its absence would detract nothing from the value of 
either Shire or Clyde. In pt>int of size, the English Shire is larger of the two, and 
has, perhaps, less of that American objection — daylight — underneath. Importers, 
h(iwe\er, as a rule, have brought over the more compact and stylish .Shires, and it 
is eommonlv no little trouble to decide by simple judgment of the iiulix idual, \vhether 
the animal is Chile or .Shire. ( Compare also illustrations of the two breeds.) 

In the .South the .Shires are little known, and v\-e can say nothing as to their 
relati\e merits in our warm climate; l)ut in the West they are becoming more pop- 
ular with each sueeeeilin;,; \ ear, and ha\ e an assured future along with the other 
draft breeds. 



CHAPTER VI. 



THE SUFFOLK FUNXTI. 

This breed of horses, which has for many years enjoyed such merited popu- 
larity in England, has of late years found a substantial and growing favor with 
American breeders. The origin of the Suffolk Breed is somewhat obscure, but 
the best evidence obtainable indicates the use of Norman stallions on the best native 
Suffolkshire mares. That this is true is strongly evidenced by the Suffolk color — 
sorrel, or light chestnut — which has so often been found a compromise color between 
bay and gray: the former being represented in the native mares, the latter being the 
predominating color of the Norman stock. 

As far back as 1745, the Suffolk was famed for its still prominent characteristic 
— draft; and notices of the breed at the drawing matches of that period, may be 
unearthed among the old files of some of the English newspapers. 



26 



THE SUFFOLK PUNCH. 




Cl.KVIil.AM) HAYS. 27 

linpidx ciiuiit of till.' Suffolk has lici-n \cry great, especially within tlie last quarter 
(,iiiliir\ . l-"ormeil\ thiie was said to he a tendency to focjt troiihles, hut in the 
niixlrrn luei-d this li-ndeni-\' has disappeared. AnioHLf the later hreeders and im- 
jirovers, we nia\ mention Mr. .\lfred 1. Smith, of Wdodhridge, Suffolkshire, Eng. 
Air. Smith lias heen espc'eialK active in stimulating American demand foi' his sorrel 
favorites, and since lS('>i, when iiis stud was established, has fmiiished many of the 
noted prize winners at English fairs. In the United States, many of our most promi- 
nent importers of vShires and Pcrclicrons have latel}' been importing Suffolks, and, 
we understand, the demand Is fast increasing. 

DKSC'KII'TIOX AND C 1 1 A 1! At'lEH ISTICS : 

Color, almost invariaV)ly chestnut or sorrel; size, somewhat less than Siiire or 
Clydesdale, having an average height of 15^ to I614 hands, and weighing at maturity 
from 1,400 to 1,800 lbs. The body is round, close and compact, with short clean legs 
and pasterns, free from the troublesome long hair of the Shire and Clyde. The 
shoulders are long and lie well fmwaid foi' draft; the bone is small but firm; the 
hind quarters long, heav\' and well coupled to a short, close knit back. The general 
appearance indicates a rather over medium sized sorrel horse witli hea\ v round body 
and short legs. The Suffolk is emphatically a draft animal, valuable for remarkable 
steadiness and great faithfulness in the collar. He will jjull e\er\- j)ound which is 
possible, and no whip is needed or should be used to urge his natural fiecdom in 
work. As a horse for the general farmer, it would be hard to find one more suit- 
able — having a good fast walk, an e\en "all-around" trot, and sutficient weight to 
save muscle work before plow or harrow. 



CHAPTER VII. 



C L E \' E L A X D B A Y S. 

We have no authentic data regarding the origin of the Cle\eland breed, but 
give what seem to be the most probable of the many theories ad\anccd. Prof. Low 
says : 

" It has been formed by the same means as the Hunter, namely, bv the progressive mixture of 
the blood of the Race Horse, with the original breeds of the country'." 

A later writer regards it as an offshoot from the old Scandinavian horse improved 
by careful breeding under the different climatic conditions of England. By others 
he is thought to be a lineal descendant of the old war horse in ages past. We think 
it probable, that a gradual use of horses of higher breeding on heavy mares of the 
larger English breeds, combined with marked skill and care in handling, has finally 
resulted in the formation of this excellent breed. Certain it is, that, about the begin- 
ning of the present century, the horses of Cleveland were in great demand, and 



28 



CLEXEI.AND liAYS. 




CI.EVELAND JJAYS. 



29 



y,|i|ip|ipi|iiiilpiMill!llli|ii||i|||i|ll||||i|^^^^^ '^!'''''''T''l''''l'*'l'BIMIfll^^^^^^^^ 




30 FUENCII COACH HORSES. 

their lirccdiiiij (.-arriud on with system and success; for a time they gradually de- 
clined in public fa\<ir, and indeed, were threatened with total extinction, but during 
later jears the breed has again advanced in favor, and, thanks to the efforts of the 
American Cleveland Bay Society (R. P. Stericker, of Springfield, 111., Secretary), is 
once more wideU' and favorably known. The name of the breed is taken from 
the district of Cleveland in Yorkshire, England, ^\■!^ere it was first known, and the 
term liay \\'as added to indicate the prevailing color. 

DESCRIPTION AND CII A li AC'l-ERISTICS : 

Color, in\arialily a liright bay, either light or dark, with black mane and tail, 
black points, and usually a small white spot between "bulbs" of the heel. In size 
they are medium, indi\ iduals standing from sixteen hands, to sixteen hands three 
inches in height, and weighing from 1,100 to 1,800 lbs. The head is of fair size, 
with a face of kindly expression and intelligent cast; neck finely arched and well 
set on to long, sloping shoulders; back short; loins even and powerful; hips of good 
length and legs straight, close knit, and free from loug hairs at the fetlock. 

The Cleveland Bay is a general purpose horse, heavy enough for all ordinary 
farm work, and active, stylish and with ample speed for either wagon or carriage use. 
In breeding he transmits color, bone, style, kind and docile disposition, and general 
characteristics to a marked degree; he is easy to handle, and for use in grading on 
the pony mares of the great Southwest, we doubt if his superior can be found, or 
indeed, his equal. Royalty and Lord Derby (see illustrations), both prize winners, 
are excellent representatives of the breed, and full\- bear out the proverbial good 
judgment of their resiaectivc importers. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



FRENCH COACH HORSES. 
( Dem i- Sang. ) 

These horses are the direct result of the wisdom r.nd foresight of the French 
Government. Some time during the latter part of the 18th century the Government 
began the establishment of studs and breeding stables, in anticipation of an ap- 
proaching scarcity of good horses for the cavalry service. Thoroughbred stallions 
from England were introduced and their services offered to breeders at remarkably 
low rates, the policy of the Government being to buy back the get of these horses, 
and eventually establish a breed of the peculiar type desired. The practice led to a 
good deal of trickery in the way of selling good-looking individuals on appearance 
solely, the fraud only appearing when the animal was used for breeding purposes. To 
obviate this trouble, the French Government adopted the plan of buying up superior 
stallion colts and rearing them in the public studs. In addition to this, the owners of 
very superior stallions are granted a bonus by the Government, on condition that the 



FRENCH COACH HORSES. 



31 




32 



FRENCH COACH HORSES. 




THOROUGIIUKEDS. 83 

Stallion in question shall remain in the country for service; a second class — the owners 
of stallions good but not fine — are allowed to offer their stallions for service, but 
receive no subsidy ; no stallions except these two classes, and those belonging to the 
Government, are allowed to stand. In certain departments of France only — as notably 
in Orne, Calvados and Seine-Infeieure — is Government attention directed to the pro- 
duction of Coachers; in other departments, the Thoroughbred, the Breton and the 
celebrated Norman and Perchcron horses receive in turn particular attention. The 
American French Coach Horse Association has just been organized, and a Stud Book 
will soon be issued. S. D. Thompson, of Wayne, 111., is the present Secretary. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

The color of the French Coach is usually bay, but chestnuts are abundant and 
blacks quite common; the fashion in America calls for bay, and most of our importers 
have selected with a view of supplying this fashionable liemand. In size they rank 
with the Cleveland — an average weight falling between 1000 and 1200 lbs., for stal- 
lions. The head is small with full forehead, expressive eyes, fine muzzle, and medium, 
quick playing ears. The neck is long, well arched and firmly set on long, slop- 
ing shoulders. The back is short; hips long and well up; legs of good length, firmly 
knit, and with tough well-made feet. In general appearance — as will be seen by a 
glance at the engravings — the French Coach Horse is just what the name indicates, 
a stylish, well-made carriage horse of good action and fine appearance. 



CHAPTER IX. 

THOROUGHBREDS. 
(running horses.) 

We have thought best to commence this chapter by a brief notice of the term 
" Thoroughbred," and the confusion which has existed — indeed confusion still exists 
— regarding its use in America. In England, the home of the Thoroughbred, the 
term is naturally well understood. In America, all animals whether horses, cattle, 
sheep or swine, if eligible to entry in the register of their peculiar breed, are spoken 
of as "thoroughbred," as, for example, thoroughbred Shorthorns, thoroughbred 
Herefords, thoroughbred Southdowns, thoroughbred Berkshires, and so on through 
the list of recognized breeds of domestic animals. 

The term "thoroughbred," as thus used, is, it will be noted, an adjective, and is 
employed merely to express the fact that such an animal is eligible to entrj' in the Herd 
Book or Register of the breed to which he belongs. It is convenient and expres- 
sive, if not strictly accurate, and, as it will doubtless always be retained by American 
stock breeders, we may as well acquiesce in its acceptance, and try to thoroughly 
understand the difference between its use as an adjective and as a noun. It must be 
remembered that at the time the name first came into use as a synonym for the English 



34 



THOROUGHBREDS. 



race horse, it did so by reason of the acknowledged purity or "thorough" breeding 
of the animal in question. No horse without the blood of some celebrated runner of 
the English turf, or the blood of the Arabian, Turk or Barb in his pedigree, could at 
that time be even thought of as a horse of any breeding at all. The race horse was 
the especial horse of the nobility, and was the only animal at that time whose ances- 
tral blood was known and recorded. The runner was commonly spoken of as " thor- 
oughbred," and the word has naturally been adopted by all breeders as the proper 
name of the breed of running or racing horses, whose origin is found in Oriental 
blood transmitted through the veins of the early English race horse. 

Let us understand then that the noun "Thoroughbred" is simply the name of a 
breed of horses, just as Cleveland Bay and Percheron, are the names, respectively, 
of other breeds of horses; and with this understanding, we may proceed to a brief 
review of the origin and early history of the breed. 

As already intimated, the English Thoroughbred is the undoubted scion of East- 
ern blood — Turk, Barb and Arabian — improved and perfected by the influence of 
skillful handling and natural conditions peculiar to English soil and climate. The 
horses now generally regarded as of most value among the early invoices of Oriental 
blood, may be named as follows, in order of their importation: The White Turk, 
owned by Mr. Place, stud groom of the Lord Protector Cromwell; the Byerly Turk, 
owned by Captain Byerly and used by him as his charger in the wars of William in 
Ireland, about 1689; the Darley Arabian, owned by Mr. Darley of Yorkshire; and 
last in point of time, but by no means least in the number and great excellence of his 
descendants, the Godolphin Barb, called also " Godolphin Arabian," but erroneously, 
since he was universally admitted to be a Barb. 

Many other noted parents of racing stock might be named as illustrating the 
extent to which the blood of the desert has been used in forming the modern Thor- 
oughbred, but space forbids. The Darley Arabian, bred in the desert of Palmyra, 
may be said to be the parent of our best racing stock. From Youatt, in reference to 
this horse and his descendants, we quote: 

" His figure contained every point without mucli show, that could be desired in a turf horse. 
The immediate descendants of this invaluable horse were the Devonshire or Flying Childers; the 
Bleeding or Bartlett's Childers, who was never trained; Almanzor and others. The two Childers 
were the means through which the blood and fame of their sire were widely circulated; and from 
them descended another Childers, Blaze, Snap, Sampson, Eclipse, and a host of excellent horses. 
The Devonshire or Flying Childers, so called from the name of his breeder, Mr. Childers of Carr 
House, and the sale of him to the Duke of Devonshire, was the fleetest horse of his day." 

Probably the most noted of the descendants of Flying Childers was King 
Herod, the founder of the old Herod line of English Thoroughbreds. He was the 
sire of 497 winners, who gained for their owners some i?200,000. 

Of Sampson more extended mention will be found in the chapter on American 
Trotters. His reputed and recorded sire was Blaze, but his actual sire has been com- 
monly supposed to be of heavier, coarser extraction; be that as it may, in the horse 
Sampson, regardless of his pedigree, was combined the exact elements necessary to 
plant the germ of the trotting instinct, which has been so highly developed in the 
long list of trotting horses descended from his great-grandson, imported Messenger. 

Eclipse was, by acknowledged right, the most wonderful horse ever produced on 



THOROUGllIlKEDS. 85 

English turf. His career was so brilliant both on the turf and in the stud, and his 
exploits so remarkable, that the following quotation from Prof. Low's great work 
may prove of interest: 

" Eclipse was got by Marske, a grandson of ISaitlctt's Childeis, out of .Spiletta. lie was foaled 
in the year 1764, during the eclipse of that year, from which circumstance he took his name. He was 
bred by the Duke of Cumberland, and on the death of that prince sold to Mr. Wildman,a salesman 
at Smithfield, and afterwards he became the property of Mr. O'Kelly. Eclipse had not the grandeur 
of form of the F\\ ing Childers, and might have escaped notice but for the accidental trial of his stu- 
pendous powers. He was about fifteen hands and one inch high. His shoulders were very low, and 
so thick above, that according to the observation of the limes, a firkin of butter might have rested 
upon them. He stood very high behind, a compilation suited to his great power of progression ; he 
was so thick winded as to be heard blowing at considerable distance.' In the language of the honest 
John Lawrence, ' He puffed and blowed like an otter, and galloped as wide as a barn door.' No 
sooner were his powers exhibited on the turf, than every eye was set to scrutinize his form, and 
he was then admitted to possess in perfection the external characters indicative of great speed. A 
volume was written on his proportions by M. Saint Bel, a veterinary surgeon, whose investigations 
showed that his figure differed greatly from the conventional form which speculative writers had 
assigned as the standard of perfection. He was of an indomitable temper, and his jockeys found it in 
vain to attempt to hold him, but contented themselves with remaining still on the saddle while he 
swept along, his nose almost touching the ground. His full speed was not determined, since he 
never met with an opponent sufficiently fleet to put it to the proof. He not only was never beaten, 
but he was able to distance some of the best horses of his time, and the fleetest could not keep by his 
side for fifty yards together. This remarkable horse first appeared on the turf at the age of five in 
1769. In the first heat he set off of his own accord, and easily gained the race, his rider pulling in 
vain with all his force for the last mile. O'Kelly observing this, and aware of his horse's powers, 
offered in the second heat to place the horses, and he took heavy bets that he did so. When called 
upon to declare, he said, 'Eclipse first, and the rest no place.' He gained his wagers: Eclipse was 
first, and all the others were distanced, or, in the language of the turf, had no place. From this time 
Eclipse was continually on the turf, and gained every race; no horse daring to contend with him, he 
closed his career of 17 months by walking over the Newmarket Course for the King's Plate, in 
October, 1770. During this brief period, it is said that he gained £25,000 for his owner. He was 
then employed with prodigious profit as a stallion, lie got 334 winners at our numerous Race 
Courses, who are computed to have gained about £160,000 to their owners besides cups and plates. 
He died in 1789, at the age of 25." 

The later English racers have been horses of great speed and endurance — great 
in those things that go to make up a great horse; but we are inclined to think that the 
modern English Thoroughbred is not the equal of his former self. Sharper races, 
more of them, and especially coming at an earlier age — very frequently at the age of 
two or three years — have had a tendency to decrease somewhat the stamina and 
wonderful endurance found in the earlier horses of note. 

The American Thoroughbred is, of course, a lineal descendant of the parent 
stock (English); in other words, all American horses eligible to entry in the American 
Stud Book for Thoroughbred Horses — edited and published by Col. S. D. Bruce, of 
New York— are either imported from England, or are the descendants of horses so 
imported. 

In the United States, it has been found advisable to permit a certain relaxation 
of the rigid rules adhered to in the English Stud Book, and to admit animals that 
show an unmixed descent for five generations of pure blood. This necessarily adinits 
animals which are not strictly Thoroughbred, but if for five generations nothing but 
Thoroughbred stallions are used, the resulting animal is so nearly Thoroughbred as 



36 THOROUGHBREDS. 

to answer all requirements. Indeed, we are inclined to think that the American 
system of breeding, and recognized rules for entry, have done much toward making 
the American Thoroughbred the successful rival of his English cousin, which he has 
proven himself to be. 

Of the American Thoroughbreds which have earned distinction on the turf, we 
may mention : American Ecljpse, by Duroc, out of Miller's Damsel, by Imp. Mes- 
senger; Lexington, by Boston, out of Alice Carneal, by Imp. Sarpedon; Prioress, 
by Imp. Sovereign, out of Reel, by Glencoe; Leamington, by Faugh-a-Ballagh, out 
of a mare b}' Pantaloon; Springbok, by Australian, out of Hester, by Lexington; 
Nettie Norton, by Imp. Leamington, out of Long Nine, by Lightning; Ten Broeck, 
by Imp. Phaeton, out of Fanny Holton, by Lexington; Tom Ochiltree, by Lexing- 
ton, out of Katona, by Voucher; and Parole, by Imp. Leamington, out of Maiden, bv 
Glencoe. Many others might justly lay claim to distinction, but lack of space com- 
pels the omission. 

Among the later celebrities of the turf, not one, perhaps, has stood higher in 
public favor than The Bard (see illustration), a bay stallion, foaled 1888, owned by 
A. J. Cassatt. As a recognition of his remarkable career on the turf, we give place 
to the following tabulated pedigree: 

- c^ u r> 11 u \ Sir Hercules. 

I , . , \ F'^^gh-a-Ballagh Guiccolli. 

^ Leaiiiington -i 

f r, \ f r-k u. ^ Pantaloon. 

S \ Daughter -; t-. u 

— I ° I Daphne. 

1= i ( Brawner-s Eclipse \ American Eclipse. 

o I Nantura \ ' Daughter. 

I / <^ A/r \ Bertrand. 

I ( Queen Mary ■; , j i^ . 

^ •' / Lady rortune. 

/ T p -' to .'' Boston. 

i j War Dance '^'"^ " / Alice Carneal. 

g Reel '> Glencoe. 

g J \ ■ . . ■ . I Gallopade. 

.n I TT.--u.roi/-' \ Irish Birdcatcher. 

rt ( Imp- Knight of St. George. . . ^|„,,„„ 

i: Brenna \ /Maltese. 



I I L„y-( . \ Imp. Trustee. 

'^ ^ ( Vandal's Dam. 

Concerning the race for Freehold Stakes at Monmouth Park, N. J., August 2d, 
1888, in which The Bard suffered defeat for the first time, the Turf, Field and 
Farm, of New York (issue August 10th, 1888), says: 

" Since our last issue, sudden checks have been given to the victorious careers of several 
public idols. The Bard has succumbed to Firenzi, Raceland lowered his colors to Badge, Kingston 
and Terra Cotta suffered defeat by Elkwood, Little Minch out-speeded by Yum-Yum, and even 
in England, the crack two-year-old Donovan has met with a reverse. But the case of The Bard is 
the most serious of all, for not only has he been beaten after winning seven straight stakes, but in all 
probability, he has appeared for the last time in public. 

"The race in which he met with his mishap was the Freehold at Monmouth, on Thursday of 
last week. Firenzi was his only opponent. The Bard made the running, setting a fast pace, but at 
no time did Garrison permit the filly to be more than three lengths behind. He closed in the stretch, 
forced Hay ward to the whip at the last sixteenth pole, and then coming away, won by two lengths in 
2:34, which equals the record, Luke Blackburn having made the same time at Monmouth as a three- 
year-old on August 17th, 1880, with 102 pounds up, and Jim Guest, when four years old, and carrying 
98 pounds, having made a like record at Washington Park, Chicago, July 24th, 1886. The first 
quarter was run in 0:27, the half in 0:52, the three-quarters in 1:18, the mile in l-A2'/i, and the mile 
and a quarter in 3:08>^. It was a splendid performance for both. 



TIIOKOUCIIBKKDS. 



37 




38 



THOROUGHBREDS. 



"While The Bard did not pull up lame, as far as could be noticed, at the close of the race, it 
was but a short time before he began to favor his off hind leg, which began to swell. Dr. Shepherd 
was called to examine the horse, but the inflamation was so great, the swelling being midway between 
the hock and fetlock joint, that it was impossible to diagnose the case, and the extent of the injury 
had not been definitely determined on Tuesdaj' last, although it was generally deemed to be perman- 
ent. After the race, Hayward said that for the first time this season. The Bard had not tried to get 
away from him when he had mounted, not taking hold of the bit in his accustomed style. Like his 
illustrious sire, he has gone down in battle, covered with glory, both finishing their raceo in the 
gamest manner on three legs. That there would have been a still greater contest and in faster time 
had The Bard been right, there is no question in our mind, for we have long been of the opinion 
that, under favorable conditions, he could lower almost any record." 

Firenzi (a bay, foaled 1884), by this race has proven herself a truly great mare; and 
with The Bard no longer in the field, ought surely to have an easy career as a winner. 

The Emperor of Norfolk (see illustration from sketch immediately after winning 
the American Derby) is another one of the successful winners of 1888. At Chicago, 
June 23rd, he won the American Derby, netting in this one race $14,590.00, and mak- 
ing a total amount thus far won for his owner of $28,530.00, said to be the largest 
winnings credited to any living horse. There is a little " cold " blood in the remote 
pedigree of the Emperor, coming through the Potomac mare — dam of Betsy Malone 
— but it is so far back that it affects neither his speed nor his breeding value. His 
abridged pedigree may be given as follows: 

C Timoleon 



Boston 



1^^ 



'-' I Alice Carneal . 



fi' 



a; I 

o 1 
Z 



f Imp. Glencoe. 



\ Sir Archy. 

/ Saltram Mare. 

/ r.. . . T, , , \ Ball's Florizel. 

■ S'^t" '° Tuckahoe | Alderman Mare. 

, c- J \ Emilius. 

\ I™P- •"'arpedon ^ j^^,.;^ 

/ „ ( Sumpter. 

R""'^"^ \ Lady Gray. 

„ 1. S Selim. 

i Sultan J Bacchante. 



Chloe Anderson . 



T, ,. \ Tramp. 

Trampolme J -yvg^. 

„ , , , ( .Sir Archy Montorio. 

Rodolph i T-. u.„__x Tj 11'. 



Belle Anderson 



s 



Imp. Bonnie Scotland 



L Lady Lancaster 



/ Daughter of Hoxall's Moses. 

\ Sir William. 

"/ Butterfly. 

\ Don Jolin. 

/ Scandal. 

„ \ Gladiator. 

Uueen .Mary -, Daughter of Plenipotentiary. 

, ,. , ( Priam. 

Imp. Monarch | Delphine. 



lago . 



s h?; 






Imp. Yorkshire 



Ladv Canton . 



{ Imp. Tranby. 
'I Mary Randolph. 

o. 1.1- 1 1 ( Emilius. 

^'- Nicholas ] Seamew. 

^^°*^ K°^^ j Sandra Mare. 

. „, ( .Sultan. 

Imp, Glencoe -J trampoline. 

T. . »T , \ .Stockholder. 

Betsy Malone .) p^j^^^^ Mare. 



•niOROUGIIBKEDS. 



89 




40 THOROUGHBREDS. 

The Chicago Horseman, in a notice of the Emperor, says: 

" He is a grandly proportioned liorse, and is so constructed that he can carry all the penalties 
that are piled upon him without materially interfering with his speed. He has defeated all the best 
three-year-olds of the year so easily that it is impossible to accurately gauge his powers. Should he 
meet The Bard at weight for age, we shall expect to see a grand struggle, and one which will be 
fully described in the annals of the turf. Both in his two and three-yearold career, he has proved 
himself to be a race-horse of the very highest quality, and one of those exceptionally great horses 
which only appear once in a decade. 

"The Emperor of Norfolk was bred by Theodore Winters. He was foaled on January 12, 1885, 
and was purchased at the Winters sale on December 20, 1886, by E. J. Baldwin for $2,5.50. He is by 
that mighty son of Lexington, Norfolk, out of Marian, by Malcolm. In the veins of the Emperor 
flows the rich, red tide which came from those grand fountains of speed — Lexington, Glencoe, Bonnie 
Scotland and Yorkshire. When, as a racing star of the first magnitude, the Emperor has run his 
allotted course, his splendid individuality, grand speed powers and patrician lineage, will combine to 
enthrone him as the first lord of the harem." 

Huguenot is an English Thoroughbred, and we present his portrait as a good type 
of the English race-horse. 

While no two famous winners have ever been exactly alike in conformation, there 
are yet many points of similarity, and we have thought best to give the following short 

DESCRIPTION OF A TYPICAL THOROUGHBRED: 

The head is fine; neck slender but well set on at the shoulders; chest deep, 
wide, and bounded by shoulders long and slanting; hind quarters high and well muscled; 
legs flat, with short cannons, long, elastic pasterns, and rounded, well-made feet. Not 
a pound of surplus fat is carried when in racing trim; the cords and muscles stand out 
clearly, and play in action like the sensitive strings of some delicate instrument. The 
Racer is essentially nervous in temperament; many have been made vicious by careless 
handling, and not a few have failed to show extreme speed on the turf, because of 
failure to understand and appreciate their nerve peculiarities. 

Many regard the Thoroughbred as a mere fancy animal, — the especial horse of 
the sporting fraternity, — but we do not agree with such expression. His indomitable 
will and wonderful endurance, combined with his beauty of form and usually good 
size, make him a horse of much value to use on native mares of mixed breeding; and 
the colts thus produced are among our most stylish saddle and harness horses. The 
South has always been rich in the blood of the Thoroughbred ; and, since there has 
been little call for horses of the heavier breeds until recent times, mules being em- 
ployed almost exclusively for heavy draft and farm work, the Racer has served a 
most valuable purpose. As heavier stallions are now being introduced quite extens- 
ively, we shall find the mares of racing stock a valuable foundation for producing an 
excellent general purpose horse. 



THOHOI'GHIIKEDS. 



41 



yW'h^iii. 




42 AMERICAN TROTTERS. 



CHAPTER X. 



AMERICAN TROTTERS. 

While not yet recognized as a separate breed, the American Trotter is fast ap- 
proaching that distinction, and the long lines of fast moving offspring from the famous 
stallions that founded the several strains of modern Trotters, point unmistakably to that 
constant transmission of characteristic qualities which alone determines a breed. 

ORIGIN AND improvement: 

The history of the origin and improvement of American Trotters, furnishes one 
of the most, ii not the most, remarkable examples of human skill in developing and 
training to desired lines qualities which, before, had remained partially developed or 
entirely latent. The courage and stamina of the Trotting Horse, in brief, is found in 
the use of Oriental blood in and through the royal blood of the Thoroughbred ; but 
to those remarkable individual animals, which we shall mention, — in whom the trot- 
ting gait seems to have been a spontaneous development of the trotting instinct com- 
bined with the energy and speed of the Racer, — belongs the credit for his immediate 
origin. 

Among the horses which may thus be considered original sources of trotting 
blood, and first in the list by acknowledged right, stands 

imported messenger, 
himself a Thoroughbred, and embracing some of the choicest blood of the desert in 
his make-up, as will be seen by a simple statement of his paternal ancestry: Imported 
Messenger was a gray hoi-se, foaled in 1780; imported to United States in 1788, and 
died on Long Island in 1808. His first sire was Mambrino, second sire Engineer, 
third sire Sampson, fourth sire Blaze (?), fifth sire Flying Childers, sixth sire Darley 
Arabian. His dam was sired by Turf, by Matchem, by Cade (who was a son of 
Godolphin Arabian), and his second dam was by Regulus, also a son of Godolphin 
Arabian. His great grandsire, Sampson, was a black horse out of all keeping with the 
ideal Thoroughbred in appearance, being large, coarse and heavy boned, but with a 
wonderful power of speed and bottom. Sampson's reputed and recorded sire was 
Blaze, a bay Thoroughbred, but his conformation and the inclination to trot, which he 
transmitted to his offspring, have led students of equine history to doubt the record 
of his paternity, and assert that his dam was covered by a coach horse. If this were 
true — and it seems at least reasonable — it was the most fortunate accident that could 
have occurred, since it furnished the exact combination to insure a change of gait and 
still retain the fire and instinctive speed of the Racer. 

The peculiar conformation of imported Messenger — low, round, almost flat with- 
ers — has been faithfully handed down to his lineal descendants; and it is a matter of 
common note, that all true Messenger-bred Trotters have always enjoyed a remarkable 



AMERICAN TROTTERS. 



48 




44 AMERICAN TROTTERS. 

freedom from all kinds of foot, leg and bone diseases. Messenger blood is found in 
nearly every family of American Trotters; and, through his great grandson, Rysdyk's 
Hambletonian, we have a family preeminently above all others in steady re-production 
of the trotting gait, through a long line of noted descendants, of which we shall write 
later. 

Another original source of trotting blood was found in 

IMPORTED BELLFOUNDER, 

a blood bay, with white diamond on nose, and white left hind foot. His breeding has 
always been a matter of question, but by the best evidence obtainable his pedigree is as 
follows: Sire, Old Bellfounder, out of Velocity by Haphazard, by Sir Peter, out of 
Miss Hervey by Eclipse. Grand dam of good blood but not Thoroughbred. This 
stamps him as a true descendant of the Fireaways — a strain which has never been 
excelled for the saddle. Bellfounder, the "Norfolk Trotter," was foaled about 1815, 
imported to America in 1822, and died on Long Island in 1843. He was a natural 
trotter, of remarkable honesty, and his truest descendants have since been known as 
" field trotters," showing their best speed when free from all restraint of reins. The 
peculiar value of the Bellfounder blood is found, like that of Duroc, in its happy com- 
bination with the blood of Messenger. 



was not an imported horse, but was foaled (1806) and bred in Virginia. He was a 
chestnut in color, of remarkable frame and muscle, got by imported Diomed, — a 
small chestnut horse, winner of the first English Derby, — and from him (Diomed) he 
derived many serious blood defects — such as tendency to foot and leg troubles, as well 
as those high qualities of nerve and spirit which are found in all of Diomed's descend- 
ants. On his dam's side he traces to imported Medley, a gray, by Gimcrack, also a 
gray, and from this quarter comes the peculiar conformation of his descendants — 
wide hips, long, powerful thighs, and hocks placed low down over short hind cannons 
— which is always accompanied by an ojjen, loose "straddling" action, by many regarded 
a sure indication of trotting promise. As already noted, his greatest value was found 
in combination with Messenger blood, and in such horses as Alhambra, Messenger- 
Duroc and American Star was found its happiest combination. 

ST. LAWRENCE 

must not be omitted in our mention of the earlj' sources of trotting blood. He was 
a small, bay, Canada-bred horse, standing about 15% hands; was foaled about 1841, 
brought over to New York about 1848, and died in Michigan 1858. His breeding is 
not known, but he was a trotter and a sire of trotters. The peculiar motion which 
proclaims St. Lawrence blood is seen among all of his descendants: The hind-quarters 
gently swing from side to side, as the hind feet successively advance, trotting with an 
even but rolling and far-reaching action, that gives an idea of almost irresistible power 
and momentum. 

In this connection we quote the opinion of Mr. H. T. Helm — an acknowledged 
authority in matters concerning trotting stock — as given in his valuable work on 
"American Roadsters and Trotting Horses": 



AMERICAN TROTTEFJS. 



45 




BELMONT. 

Bay stallion; foaled lHtj4; property of A. J. Al 



, Spring Station, Ky. 



46 AMERICAN TROTTERS, 

"The fact has become so clear that in some parts of our country the Messenger blood has been 
bred too closely, and the need of a suitable out-cross of high trotting quality having become apparent 
in many instances, such a blood as that of St. Lawrence affords, for all such, one of the most valuable 
strains with which to inter-breed. Many valuable mares now exist that are so c'osely and strongly 
in-bred in the Messenger blood, that their value as breeding stock mainly depends on the obtaining of 
a suitable out-cross to invigorate the blood, and maintain the trotting excellence for which it has 
been noted. For all such the male descendants of St. Lawrence will afford the desired cross, and the 
union will in all probability result, as did that of Bellfounder in the Hambletonian, in the further 
advancement of the American Trotter." 

Next on the list comes the Canadian pacer, 

PILOT. 

His breeding, Hke that of vSt. Lawience, is not known, except that his ancestry came 
originally from France to Acadia, and thence to Canada, forming a class of tough and 
valuable horses, since known as French Canadians, or Kanucks. He was foaled about 
1826, but was first known at New Orleans, 1832, when he was said to be six years 
old, and was purchased of a peddler for $1000.00; he died in Kentucky in 1855. Pilot 
in brief, was a black stallion, standing less than 15 hands, with short neck, rather thick 
and heavy about the throat; a long, coarse mane, showing the handsome wavy curl 
which characterizes the French Canadian wherever found ; a close knit muscular 
body; a sloping rump; a heavy tail of same quality as mane, and long quarters with 
hocks placed low down. His whole make-up was one of utility, and his decendants 
— chiefly through the blood of his greatest son, Pilot Jr., combined with the blood 
of established trotting strains — have among them the fastest trotters in the world. 

The dam of Maud S 2:08^ — the fastest trotter yet known, was by Pilot Jr.; 

as was also the dam of the famous gelding Jay Eye See — 2:10 — whose record of 
2:10^ as a five-year-old has never been beaten. True, these famous movers are 
descended on the other side in direct line from Hambletonian, but this fact does not 
detract from the great value of the Pilot blood wiien used in such mighty combination. 

GRAND BASHAW, 

a Barb of the purest lineage, was imported from Tripoli in 1820, and died in Penn- 
sylvania in 1845. His color was black, with small white star, and he was said to be 
of very great beauty. In 182 L he produced Young Bashaw — from Pearl, by Bond's 
First Consul, out of a mare by imp. Messenger — rnd through this son has come the 
credit to Grand Bashaw as an original source of trotting blood. In view of the fact 
that the grand dam of Young Bashaw was by imp. Messenger, and the further fact 
that Young Bashaw was a coarse looking gray horse, in many respects resembling the 
Messenger strain, it has been claimed that the Bashaws and their noted descendants — 
the Clays— are really nothing but branches of the great Messenger stem, and that 
therefore, the claims of Grand Bashaw are naught, and his name, assumed by the 
family, an usurpation of Messenger right. 

In part at least this may be considered sound reasoning; but we think it more just 
to admit that the blood of the imperial Barb, Grand Bashaw, was the one element 
needed in combination, to develop the strain of Trotters that bears his name. 

Last on the list, but by no means least in importance, stands old 
JUSTIN morgan: 
a clear, bright bay, foaled in 1793 near Springfield, Mass. ; died near Chelsea, Vt., 



AMERICAN TROTTERS. 



47 




HAROLD. 

Hay stallion; foaled 18li4; property of A.J. Alexander, Spring Station, Ky. 
(Sire of Maiul S, 2:0SJi.) 



48 AMEKICAN TROTTERS. 

in 1821. His parentage cannot be definitely ascertained, but from tlie best circum- 
stantial evidence, it would appear that his sire was a horse called True Briton, or 
Beautiful Bay, and in all probability a Thoroughbred. His dam was said to be of 
the "Wildair" breed, and to have a share, be it more or less, of the blood of the 
Lindsey Arabian in her veins. There is some reason also for the belief, in certain 
quarters, that he had a trace of Canadian blood in his make-up; although the remark- 
able impressiveness of Morgan and his descendants in matters of color, form, gait 
and disposition, mark a predominance of Oriental, rather than Canadian blood. 
Justin Morgan left several sons, only three of which occupy places of any real im- 
portance — Bulrush, Woodbury and Sherman. Through Sherman — the best of the 
three sons of old Morgan — we have Vermont Black Hawk, and, passing down the list. 
General Knox, Ethan Allen and Daniel Lambert; through Bulrush we have the 
Merrills; and through Woodbury, Hale's Green Mountain Morgan, Magna Charta 
and (probably) Gold Dust. 

From this short summary of the horses classed as sources of trotting blood, we 
may pass to brief mention of a few of the numerous strains or families now holding 
more or less of public favor. First, by acknowledged right, are 

The Hanibletonians : The family takes its name from Rysdyk's Hambletonian, 
descended on the paternal side from Imp. Messenger, through his Thoroughbred son 
Mambrino (American) and Mambrino's son, Abdallah, sire of Hambletonian. The 
dam of Hambletonian was by Bellfounder. Through Hambletonian we have the 
Volunteers, Edward Everetts, Alexander's Abdallahs, Almonts, Messenger-Durocs, 
Happy Mediums, George Wilkeses, Dictators, Wood's Hambletonians, Electioneers, 
and many others of acknowledged eminence, laying claim to the general title of 
Hambletonian. 

The jMa?nbrinos, another great family, descended on the paternal side from Imp. 
Messenger — take the name from Mambrino Chief. His sire was Mambrino Pay- 
master, a son of Mambrino, who was also the grandsire of Hambletonian. All the 
Mambrinos, Champions, and many others are grouped under this head. 

The JSashazvs take their name from Young Bashaw, a son of the Imp. Barb, 
Grand Bashaw. Young Bashaw was the sire of Andrew Jackson, who in turn got 
Long Island Black Hawk; and through the latter we have Green's Bashaw, the 
Mohawks and others of note. 

Closely related to the Bashaws are 

The Clays, who take the family name from Henry Clay, a son of Andrew 
Jackson, above mentioned. From this horse we have the numerous strains of Clays; 
and through his famous grandson, George M. Patchen, we have the branch which 
bears his name. 

The Morgans we have already mentioned as taking the name and excellence 
of old Justin Morgan. Under this head we have the Black Hawks (exclusive of Long 
Island Black Hawk, who was by Andrew Jackson, with no trace of Morgan blood), 
Ethan Aliens, Knoxes, Daniel Lamberts, Fearnaughts, Morrills, and others. 

Pacing blood is represented chiefly by the Pilots, who take their name from 
Pilot Jr., already noted, and the Blue Bulls, from the celebrated pacer of that name; 
with the Royal Georges, Hiatogas, Bald Stockings (descended from Tom Hal, 



AMERICAN TROTTERS. 



49 






n5 '■ 




^ n 



50 AMERICAN TROTTERS. 

lately deceased), Copper Jfot/oms, and othurs, an seconds of no mean value. Right 
here we cannot fail to notice the peculiar force of jiacing blood, especially on the side 
of the dam, when joined with paternal blood of established trotting excellence. The 
mares of Pilot Jr., St. Clair, and other noted pacers, have given us the fastest flyers 
of the age, and no amount of self-confident reference to " Thoroughbred grand dams," 
in the cases of Maud S. and Jay Eye See, can now breast the tide of popular favor 
which the pacing element enjoys. Old Blue Bull, a horse of great speed at the pacing 
gait alone, stands now (June 6th, 1888) second on the list — yielding only to the trotter 
George Wilkes — as a sire of trotters; having to his credit 52 horses with a record of 
2:30 or better. 

It is now well known and admitted that the trot and the pace are interchange- 
able, and that a horse may be taught to go at either gait. The idea of 20 years ago 
that pacing blood was of no value in a trotting pedigree, has gone and gone to stay. 

SOME OF THE FASTEST. 

An examination of the list of fast records brings up matters of such interest as to 
warrant at least notice in these pages. In every case, through the list of stallions, 
mares and geldings, the really fast movers have been the result of steady breeding in 
blood lines to attain the desired ends. It is this fact which points conclusively toward 
an earh' recognition of the claims of the American Trotter to be classed as a breed: 
not yet, perhaps, but soon to be, is assuredly a safe assertion. 

The fastest stallions of the present day are: Maxey Cobb, 2:18i^; Phallas, 
2:135^, and Patron, 2:141^^. Maxey Cobb has the best record, but it is admitted that 
Phallas — next by a difference of one-half second — is really the better horse, since he 
met and defeated the former in an easy victory. The 2:13^ of Phallas was the 
fastest time ever made by a stallion in a race, and the fastest time ever made in a 
fourth heat by any horse; and cannot at least be considered inferior to the 2:13i^ of 
Maxey Cobb, made in a trial against time. 

Phallas (see pedigree in full) is a bay, son of Dictator, out of Betsy Trotwood 
by Clark Chief. Dictator was by Rysdyk's Hambletonian, out of Clara, by Seely's 
American Star, and was a full brother to Dexter. 

Maxey Cobb, a bay, is by Happy Medium — a trotting bred trotter, standing fourth 
on the list as a sire of 2:30 horses; he by Rysdyk's Hambletonian, out of the trotting 
mare Princess, the famous California long distance mare, whose history is so inti- 
mately connected with that of Flora Temple, through their struggles on the track. 
Princess was by a grandson of Bishop's Hambletonian — the son of Messenger, sup- 
posed to be Thoroughbred, and whose name was at first spelled H-a-m-i-1-t-o-n-i-a-n. 
Is it any wonder that Phallas and Maxey Cobb trot? And we may say the same 
of the next. 

Patron, a bay, is a great grandson of Mambrino Chief, through his sire Pancoast. 
On the other side, he runs again to Mambrino Chief family, his dam being by Cuyler 
out of a mare by Mambrino Patchen. When we consider the age of Patron (five 
years) at the time his record of 2:14i^ was made, he may fairly be called the equal 
of the two preceding: indeed, taking the trio together, a horseman could hardly 
choose one without an innate fear that a better judgment would have chosen another. 



AMERICAN TUOTlliKS. 



51 




PHALLAS 2:I3<4. 

Bay st.illion; property of J. I. Case, Rucine, \Vi 



52 AMERICAN TROTTEKS. 

The fastest mares to date are Maud S., 2:083.^; Belle Hamlin, 2:135^; Goldsmith 
Maid, 2:14; and Trinkett, 2:14. 

Maud S., a chestnut, the present queen of the trotting turf by virtue of her 
2:08^, is by Harold — a son of Rysdyk's Hambletonian, out of a mare by Hamble- 
tonian's sire, Abdallah. The dam of Maud S. is Miss Russell, whose sire was the 
now famous Pilot Jr. Probably no other trotter ever enjoyed such high public favor 
as this famous mare. She has remarkable courage and intelligence, was foaled 1874, 
and is now owned by Robert Bonner, of New York. She will not trot any more 
races, but her owner claims that she is just in her prime, and will yet lower her 
remarkable record. 

Belle Hamlin, a bay, next on the list, is by Hamlin's Almont, a son of Alexander's 
Abdallah — out of a mare by Vermont Black Hawk. The dam of old Almont was 
by Mambrino Chief. In Turf, Field and Farm, issue of July 27th, 1888, appeared 
the following: 

" On Tuesday of last week, Belle Hamlin trotted a half mile on the Buffalo track, timed by a 
number of gentlemen, among them the experienced horseman Mr. C. F. Dunbar, in l:02yi, last 
quarter, 31 seconds — a 2:04 gait. This was a terrific flight of speed, and as soon as Belle Hamlin 
learns to carry the speed, she will trot a great mile." 

Goldsmith Maid and Trinkett, who are tied as to record, each standing at 2:14, 
are distinctly trotting bred. Goldsmith Maid, a bay, was sired by Alexander's Abdal- 
lah, a son of Rysdyk's Hambletonian, and one whose early death was not the least 
disaster of the late Civil War. The dam of Goldsmith Maid was claimed to be a 
daughter of the same Abdallah, but as there is no definite proof of such in-breeding 
in her case, the claim must be passed without further notice. 

Trinkett, a bay, was a trotter at an early age, having a record of 2:19^ as a 
four-year-old, at a time when such a record was considered wonderful. Her sire was 
Princeps, a son of Woodford Mambrino, out of a mare by Alexander's Abdallah. 
The dam of Trinkett was by Rysdyk's Hambletonian: blood, and performing blood 
at that, is a potent and manifest factor throughout the list of trotting mares. 

The fastest geldings by the record are: Jay Eye See, 2:10; St. Julien, 2:11 J^ ; and 
Rarus, 2:13i^, and we shall find the same story of blood that tells by a brief notice of 
their pedigrees. Jay Eye See, a black, is by Dictator, out of the mare Midnight, 
whose sire was Pilot Jr. The parentage of Dictator has been already mentioned under 
the notice of Phallas. Jay Eye See has the best record ever made by a five-year-old 
(2:10^), and stands second only to the Queen of the Turf, Maud S., by a matter of 
1 }{ seconds. His leg trouble has prevented thus far, even a trial to lower his record ; 
but his owner has an abiding faith in the little fellow, which we trust may be fully 
realized. In a recent letter to the author, Mr. Case says : 

11* * * * Last winter we concluded to have him fired, which was done, and under the 
circumstances, he should have been left at rest for fully eight or nine months, but being rather 
anxious to get him again on the turf, we commenced jogging him. The result was, that his leg 
fevered up and enlarged a little. This caused us to turn him out for this whole season. He was not 
lame, and is not lame now, and I will show him to be a greater horse than ever, another year." 

St. Julien, a bay, is by Volunteer, a son of Rysdyk's Hambletonian, out of Flora, 
by Sayre's Harry Clay. Harry Clay was also the sire of the famous brown mare, 
Green Mountain Maid, whose fame as the dam of Electioneer and other noted 



AMERICAN TKOTTERS. 



53 




54 AMERICAN TROTTERS. 

horses, is only exceeded by the universal regret among breeders of trotting stock at 
her death, which occurred June 6th, 1888. The dam of Harry Clay was by Imp. 
Bellfounder — surely St. Julien comes honestly by his speed. 

Rarus, a bay, with blazed face and white hind ankles, third on the list, does not 
show such unmistakable blood lines as do the preceding, but there is still a foundation 
other than chance for his blood-like performances. His sire was known as Conklin's 
Abdallah — claimed to be a son of Alexander's Abdallah — but really of unknown 
pedigree; his dam was by Telegraph, out of a mare by Vermont Black Hawk.* 

And now a word as to the phenomenal colts, Manzanita, Sable Wilkes, Wild- 
flower and Norlaine. 

Manzanita, a bay mare, bred at Palo Alto, Cal., the best four-year-old, has a 
record at that age of 2:16. Her dam is Mayflower, by the pacer St. Clair, and her 
sire is Electioneer, the famous son of Green Mountain Maid and Hambletonian (Man- 
zanita was severely injured by fire at Palo Alto, April 17th, 1888, and will probably 
never again appear on the track). 

Sable Wilkes, a black stallion, best three-year-old, has a record at that age of 
2:18; his dam is Sable, who combines the blood of Pilot Jr., Young Copper Bottom, 
Hambletonian and Mambrino Chief. His sire is Guy Wilkes, a grandson of Ham- 
bletonian, and tracing on the maternal side to Mambrino Chief and Seely's American 
Star. 

Wildflower, a bay mare, the best two-year-old, has a record at that age of 2:21. 
She is out of Mayflower, by Electioneer — exactly the breeding of Manzanita given 
above, f 

Norlaine, a brown filly, the best yearling, whose lecord of 2:31 1^ at that age 
astonished the world, was by Norval, a son of Electioneer, out of Elaine, the famous 
trotting daughter of Messenger Duroc and Green Mountain Maid. (Norlaine was 
fatally injured by fire at Palo Alto, April 17th, 1888, and died on Thursday, April 
19th, following.) 

All four of the young Champions are from California; three of them trace in 
direct descent to Electioneer — who has now (July 5th, 1888) 32 horses to his credit 
in the 2:80 list, making him an easy first among living sires of 2:30 horses — and all 
are from mares speedy both in blood and performance. Another point of interest in 
these cases, is found in the element of pacing blood, which has so kindly mingled 
with that of high performing trotters in their royal ancestry. As a fit recognition of 
the value of pacing blood in the American trotting horse, we give the following list 
of pacers that have made 2:14 or better. 

Johnston, 2:06i/; Little Brown Jug, 2:ll3^; Sleepy Tom, 2:12}^; Buffalo Girl, 
2:12^; Rich Ball, 2:12i^; Mattie Hunter, 2:123^; Brown Hal, 2:13; Bay Filly, 
Flora Bell, Fuller, Gem, Little Mack, Rowdy Boy and Westmont, each 2:13^; 
Arrow, Gossip Jr., Jewett, Lucy and Sorrel Dan, each 2:14. 

Before leaving this chapter, it may be well to explain what is meant by the term 
".Standard Bred," as applied to trotting stock; and this we do through the kindness of 
D. J. Campau, of The Horseman, Chicago, who sends the following 

NEW STANDARD OF REGISTRATION: 

"Established by the National Association of Trotting Horse Breeders, December 14th, 1887. 



AMKRKAN IROTTRKS. 



55 




56 AMERICAN TROTTERS. 

In order to define what constitutes a trotting bred horse, and to establish a breed of trotters on a 
more intelligent basis, the following rules are adopted to control admission to the records of pedi- 
grees. When an animal meets the requirements of admission, and is duly registered, it shall be 
accepted as a standard bred trotting animal. 

"First. Any stallion that has himself a record of 2:30 or better, provided any of his get has a 
record of 2:35 or better, or, provided his sire or his dam is already a standard animal. 

"Second. Any mare or gelding which has a record of 2:30 or better. 

"Third. Any horse that is the sire of two animals with a record of 2:30, or better. 

" Fourth. Any horse that is the sire of one animal with a record of 2:30 or better, provided he 
has either of the following additional qualifications: (1) A record himself of 2:35 or better. (2) Is 
the sire of two other animals with a record of 2:35 or better. (3) Has a sire or dam that is already a 
standard animal. 

" Fifth. Any mare that has produced an animal with a record of 2:30 or better. 

" Sixth. The progeny of a standard horse when out of a standard mare. 

" Seventh. The female progeny of a standard horse when out of a mare by a standard horse. 

" Eighth. The female progeny of a standard horse when out of a mare whose dam is a stand- 
ard mare. 

" Ninth. Any mare that has a record of 2:35 or bettei", and whose sire or dam is a standard 
animal." 

Of most of our illustrations little need be said. Jay Eye See and Phallas, their 
sire Dictator; Harold, the sire of Maud S.; Belmont, and Electioneer, are already 
well known and universally admired, Pennant, the g^rand young horse from Willow 
Lawn Farm, Waverly, la., although not yet widely known, is destined to stand well 
up in the list of great stallions. The following, clipped from the Breeders' Gazette^ 
of Chicago, refers to the race for a purse of $600.00, 2:24 class, at Janesville, Wis., 
June 19th, 1887: 

" In the very first race of the meeting, there was a terrific battle between Valkyr and the Son 
of Abe Downing; and the smart men who owned the bay mare and who piloted her down the central 
circuit line with such consummate skill last year, keeping her merits carefully concealed until she 
was ready to win a good race, must have felt chagrined, when they learned by bitter experience that 
the Iowa Stallion was more than a match for their mare — especially as this knowledge was not 
obtained until after their entry had won the first heat, and taken a record of 2:19J?4 in order to do 
it. Of course, they thought this speed did win, and so would any man, who was figuring on a 2:24 
class at a June meeting; but in the very next heat. Pennant, having come second at the finish of the 
first mile, trotted the track in 2:21, and showed that this was not the limit of his capabilities by 
trotting the third mile in 2:19?4', and the fourth in 2:2l'/i. By his races at Freeport and Janesville, 
Pennant has proven himself to be a wonderfully good young horse, and as his breeding is of the 
most approved lines — his sire having made a record of 2:20^4, and his dam being by Harold — his suc- 
cessful inauguration as a stallion when his turf days shall be over, is assured. Speed of the developed 
kind is what men who have mares to breed want in these progressive days; and the young stallion, 
no matter how fashionable his blood lines may be, has no chance against an animal whose speed has 
been developed and tested in actual contests.' 

Olivette is a half sister to Pennant, and ofie of the best brood mares of the Wil- 
low Lawn Stud. 

* Seft. 19f/t, '88, Mr. Qordon^s erratic black gelding, Guy, secured a record of 2.12}(, at Fleet-ivood 
Park, N. T; making him the fourth Jastes ttrotter in the world by the record. Guy is by Kentucky 
Prince, out of Flora Gardner. 

t On Oct. 19th, '88, Sunol, at the Bay District Track, San Francisco, fassed the Wildfo-.ver mark, 
and f laced the one-tnile tivo-year-old record at 2 20'/i. Sunol is a bay filly, foaled 1886, got by Electioneer 
out of Waxana. 



AMERICAN TKOTTEKS. 




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64 ORLOFF TROTTERS SHETLANDS. 



CHAPTER XI. 



ORLOFF TROTTERS. 

The Orloff family of trotting horses derives its name from the Russian Count 
Alexis Orloff Tschismensky, an enthusiastic lover of horses, who is credited with 
producing the breed. 

In 1775, he imported the gray Arabian stallion, Smetanxa — a horse of unusual size 
and power. This horse was used on a Danish mare, the produce being a stallion, 
known as Polkan First, who in turn produced from a Dutch mare the horse Bars First 
— commonly regarded as the progenitor of the breed. Lubezney First, Lebed First, 
and Dobroy First, three sons of Bars First, have given character to the blood of 
their sire, and helped to fix the trotting instinct. The Count selected his stallions 
invariably from the foundation stock just noted; but resorted to the better class of 
English and Dutch mares whenever practicable. 

The Orloff, like the American Trotter, is a made-ujD animal; but he shows neither 
the speed at short distance, nor the endurance on a long stretch, which characterizes 
so many of our American Trotters. A few have been brought to America, but they 
are by no means generally known. 

The prevailing color is gray, but blacks are common and bays are frequently 
found. Possibly the Orloff may at some future time be used to relieve the inbred con- 
dition into which certain families of our American Trotters are in danger of falling; 
but as it stands now, the American is so far superior to the Russian Trotter that our 
own breeders of trotting stock have every reason to be well satisfied with the mag- 
nificent results already reached, and should feel encouraged to put forth still greater 
energies in the future. 



CHAPTER XH. 



SHETLAND PONIES. 

They are, as the name indicates, natives of the Shetland Islands, north of Scotland. 
As to their origin, one thmg may be stated without fear of contradiction, and that is: 
no trace of racing (Thoroughbred) blood has ever found its way into their breeding. 

Their resemblance to the ponies of Scandinavia, and the further fact that the 
Islands were first taken possession of by Scandinavian plunderers, and for a long time 
(until the Fifteenth Century) remained attached to the Crown of Norway, furnish 



SIIETI-ANDS. 



65 




DO SHETI.ANDS WELSH PONIES. 

good evidence that the Shetland Ponies are of Norwegian derivation. Tradition, 
however, has it, that some of the horses carried by the great Spanish Armada — many 
vessels of which were wrecked off the rugged Shetland coast — escaped to the Islands 
and have since left their impress upon the native pony stock; the tradition has the 
color of probabilitj'; more than this cannot be definitely stated. Whatever their origin 
or subsequent mixture with other breeds, the Shetlands show in appearance and char- 
acter, the well known influence of severe climate and scanty food. They are extremely 
hardy; very small — standing about 8 to 11 hands high; shaggy coated, with bushy 
mane and tail; always round and smooth in the barrel; with short fine legs and round 
handsome feet. All colors are found, but brown, black and spotted — black and white 
or brown and white, are most common. 

The Shetlands are the safest and most popular ponies for children's use, and large 
numbers of them are, and have been, annually brought to the United States for this 
purpose. They are remarkably intelligent, and can be readily trained. Their hardi- 
ness and muscular endurance have always been marked; but they have little or no 
practical value outside of that already mentioned. When bred in America, the 
superior food and attention given causes a considerable increase in size ; and — since 
the smallest ponies are in greatest demand — this fact has led to the practice, quite 
common at the present time, of importing as wanted for sale direct from the Islands. 

The illustration — engraved after a sketch from life, expressly for our use — is an 
accurate representation of the breed. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



WELSH PONIES. 

Of late years quite a number of these beautiful little fellows have found their 
way to the United States; and, like the Shetlands, are in great demand for children's 
use. Of their origin Low says: 

"The mountains of Wales in like manner, give birth to a race of small horses adapted to an 
elevated country of scanty herbage, * * * which must be supposed to be pure with respect to 
their descent from the pristine race." 

The typical Welsh Pony stands about 13 hands high, has a small head, high 
withers, smooth, rounded, close coupled body, with neat, flat legs and sound feet. 
Color varies, bays and browns, especially the lighter shades, are common, and blacks 
and other colors frequently found. 



CX.MOOKS MUSTANGS. 67 



CHAPTER XIV. 



EX MOOR I'ONIE.S. 

This breed — a few of which have been imported to the United States — has its 
origin in the Exmoor Forest region, lying partly in Devonshire and partly in Somer- 
setshire, England. They are doubtless descended from the same original stock as the 
Welsh breed, but differ considerably from the latter at the present time. 

They are shaggy, long haired; stand about 12 or 13 hands high, and, although 
not so smooth and attractive in appearance as the Welsh, are said to be remarkably 
hardy. Bays, browns and blacks are the most common colors. 



CHAPTER XV. 



MEXICAN PONIES. 
(mustangs.) 

Since the conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards (1519-22) a race of so-called 
Mexican horses has been established, differing from their Spanish ancestry only in those 
things naturally affected by the semi-wild state in which they have existed, and the 
consequent lack of artificial care and attention. From Mexico they scattered gradu- 
ally northward until the entire Southwest, including Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, 
was supplied with a native or wild horse stock, from the same original source. Doubt- 
less, also, the Mexican breed has contributed largely to form the pony breeds of the 
more northern Indian tribes. Discussion of this point will come, however, more prop- 
erly under the next heading, which see. 

In Texas the Mexican Ponies have been commonly called " Mustangs," and it is 
by this name that they have become notorious as the most ill-tempered, unmanageable, 
but, withal, most wiry, tough and enduring specimens of the equine race to be found. 

In height, they stand about 12 to 13 or 14 hands, weighing from 000 to 800 lbs.; 
all colors are found, but the colors which might jjerhaps be called characteristic of the 
breed are yellow clay, smoky dun and mouse, with usually a darker stripe along the 
middle of the back. The various shades of roan are quite common — white or pink 
roans nearly always showing a skin of the same color at the nose and on inside of 
thighs; and spotted ponies — "paints" — are frequently found. 

The prominent characteristic of the Mexican Mustang lies in his wonderful 
powers of endurance; he will carry a heavv man on his back, and make a distance 



68 



MUSTANGS. 




MUSTANGS INDIAN PONIES. 69 

each clay for a month or six weeks' journey, that would tax the powers of the best 
Kentucky Thoroughbred. As to their viciousness or ill-temper, about which so much 
has been written, we think it entirely overdrawn. Mustang colts, taken up when 
two years old, and handled in the same manner that Eastern horsemen handle colts of 
higher market value, will show a disposition entirely different from the wild, vicious 
temper commonly imputed to them. Indeed the reverse is also true, since it is a well- 
known fact that among "American" horses — as the larger improved horses brought 
from the East are called — or their descendants on the range, are found the worst 
specimens of the "bucking" or "pitching" type. While the tendency of running 
wild is always toward wildness, if not viciousness, yet we believe the notorious Mustang 
disposition is largely a product of very poor methods of breaking and handling. 

Before leaving this subject, it may be of interest to note a remarkable case of 
prolonged gestation, reported by Mr. Z. T. Moore, of Traer, la., in the Breeders' 
Gazette of Chicago. The mare is said to be a Mustang; in 1887 she carried her foal 
377 days, and in 1888 the foal was retained 389 days — foals in both instances doing 
well. The average period of gestation for mares under domestication rarely exceeds 
350 to 360 days; but it is commonly observed that mares of any breed, as a rule, 
cari-y their foals longer when allowed to breed and range in pasture without care or 
restraint, than when kept up and favored with extra care and attention. We have no 
doubt that, if statistics could be as carefully kept of the service and birth dates among 
semi-wild horses as is done among careful breeders of improved stock — we should find 
a marked difference in the average length of gestation. 

The illustration was engraved expressly for our use, from a photograph, taken at 
Laredo, Texas, and is a fair representation of the modern Mexican Pony. Mr. E. 
H. Sauvignet, of Laredo, has our tlianks for assistance in securing photo. 



CHAPTER XVI. 



INDIAN PONIES. 

As noted in the preceding chapter, Indian Ponies doubtless trace in direct line to 
a more or less remote Mexican ancestry. Indeed, the horse-stock of the tribes of 
Western Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, is nothing if not Mexican; but of the more 
northern tribes, it is probable that another factor has been potent in forming the breed. 
That the other factor must be sought in northern latitudes, is beyond question, and we 
are convinced — after careful, continued observation of the ponies belonging to the 
various " Reservation" Tribes — that the Canadian Pony, a descendant of the small 
hoise stock of France, imported to Canada at an early date, is the animal that must 
bear the responsibility. We adopt this conclusion for several reasons, chief among 
them being the fact that Mustang colors are rarely found among Indian Ponies proper 
— the latter showing a great predominance of dark bay, brown and spotted (bay and 



70 



INDIAN PONIES. 




INDIAN PONIES. 71 

white or brown and white), and tiic further fact that their conformation is decidedly 
different. The spotted mariiing is quite common and it is difticult to trace its source 
unless we accept the common belief that it is derived from horses inhabitiii<j the moun- 
tainous parts of Persia and adjoining countries, through the Spanish and French 
ancestry. 

Indian Ponies are, as a rule, kind and gentle; enduring as much in the colder 
regions of the Northwest, as do their Mustang relations in the .Southwest. There is 
very little ill-temper observed among northern Indian Ponies: a simple fact — whether 
due to different treatment or to modification by Canadian crosses — we do not pretend 
to say. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color, dark bay, brown and spotted (bay and white and brown and white), with 
almost always darker points. Some of these ponies are a most beautiful blood-bay 
with black points, and when they can be obtained, make excellent saddle ponies. (As a 
rule the better class of Indians are loth to part with their ponies, and even when a sale 
has been completed, it is no uncommon thing for the Indian to become sick of his 
bargain before the pony is out of sight, and insist on buying it back again.) 

In height they stand about 12 to 13 or 14 hands, weighing from 650 to 850 
pounds: they are rather more blocky built than Mustangs, the cannons are wider, and 
the pasterns more on the upright order. 

The illustration was engraved from a photograph taken in the Chicasaw Nation, 
Indian Territory; and we take this occasion to return thanks to Mr. E.J. Smith, of 
Woodford, I. T., for his kind assistance in securing it. The ponies represented, weigh 
about 700 lbs. each, and are said, by the Indians, to be purely Indian bred as far back 
as their ancestry is known. The boy holding them is a 17 year old full-blooded Chi- 
casaw, b}' name, John Turnbull. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. 

In selecting a horse, more actual knowledge is needed than can be secured from 
books alone: the accurate judge of horse flesh is one who has made the subject a 
practical, continued study for years; and who has at command, not only the close 
knowledge gained by experience, but a good understanding, as well, of the principles 
which underlie Force and Action applied in the movements of the horse. For an 
exhaustive discussion of this subject, the reader is referred to any one of the special 
works on the horse — especially such books as Sanders' Horse Breeding and Helm's 
American Roadsters and Trotting Horses, with which he is doubtless already familiar. 
We can only undertake to give a few of the more prominent points, which may pos- 
sibly aid somewhat in forming an intelligent judgment. 

First. For draft, a horse must have weight: he may have fine action also, but 
the weight he must have if capable of long pulls before heavy loads. The shoulders 
should be upright and heavy below, in order that strain on the traces may be met by 
collar resistance at such an angle as will utilize all of the force exerted. The draft 
horse should stand fairly high in front (rather prominent withers) and must have a 
chest of ample width to permit free expansion of lungs, when under any temporary 
strain. The legs are best short, and should never exhibit that smooth, puffy appear- 
ance which always indicates a tendency to form fat at the expense of muscle; the 
cannons should be flat, and the joints, especially, hard and firmly bound together. As 
we have stated, fine action is not absolutely necessary, but for farm use a good sprightly 
walk is certainly desirable. Right here we may say, that a horse of 1200 to 1400 lbs. 
weight, is about the heaviest that will be found profitable on the ordinary farm; the 
heavier animals w^ill always be in demand for a different purpose, and an intelligent 
judgment will select in reference to the purpose for which desired. To be too "fiery" 
or "high strung" is an objection: the draft horse should be, pre-eminently, an animal 
of quiet — yet not sluggish — temperament. A strong, even puller will resist fatigue 
better, and do more service. 

Second. For speed, the shoulders should be slanting; the withers medium to 
low; the loin and rump high, and the hind-quarters long and furnished with powerful 
muscles. In the race horse, the propelling power comes from the rear, and a greater 
mistake could not be made than to select, for running, a horse at all deficient in these 
parts, no matter how fully he might fill the judgment in other respects. The legs 
must have some length, and here may be added double caution as to their quality: not 
a particle of surplus flesh or fat should be apparent, and joints in particular must be 
closelv knit together. The English government has a set of rules for the use of those 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HOUSES. 7HJ 

who select horses for cavalry service, and we insert them here; they are called "Points 
for Rejection," but will answer e(jually well as points for selection: 

" Reject a horse whose fore-legs are not straight; they will not stand wear. Stand behind the 
horse as it walks away from you, and you will be able to notice these defects, if they exist. 

" Reject a horse that is light below the knee, especially if immediately below the knee; the con- 
formation is essentially weak. 

" Or a horse with long, or short, or upright pasterns; long pasterns are subject to sprains; short 
or upright pasterns make a horse unpleasant to ride, and, on account of extra concussions, are apt to- 
cause osslfic deposits. 

" Or a horse with toes turned in or out. The twist generally occurs at the fetlock. Toes turned 
out are more objectionable than toes turned in. When toes turn out the fetlocks are generally turned; 
in, and animals so formed are very apt to cut or brush. Both, however, are weak formations. 

" Reject a horse whose hind legs are too far behind; good propelling power will be wanting, 
and disease as a result may be expected in the hocks. And a horse which goes either very wide or 
very close behind, and one with very straight or very bent hocks; the former cause undue concus- 
sion ; the latter are apt to give way. 

" Reject a horse that is 'split-up' — that is, shows much daylight between his thighs; propelling 
power comes from behind, and must be deficient in horses without due muscular development between, 
the thighs. 

" Reject a horse with flat or over large feet, or with very small feet; medium sized are best. 

" Also a horse with one foot smaller than another." 

It may be stated that the trotting gait seems to depend not more upon conforma- 
tion than upon an innate tendency, "instinct," in the horse to go at that gait. Possi- 
bly — we might even say probably — the relative lengths of thigh and distance from 
hip to hock, and the two as compared with length below the hock may aid this ten- 
dency in permitting great speed on the track. Most of our famous trotters have shown 
a long hind leverage — 39 to 42 inches from hip to hock, and a corresponding 23 to 24 
inch thigh. Another point of interest is found in the fact, that a horse with long 
forearm and short front cannon will trot with an easy deceiving action, bending the 
knee but little, and never "pounding" heavily, even at greatest speed. 

Soundness (by which is meant freedom from disease or any abnormal feature) is^ 
of prime importance, especially in selecting for stud use; and while we cannot under- 
take a description of the nuinerous blemishes and diseases to which the horse is sub- 
ject, we may call brief attention to the nature and relative consequence of some of the 
more common troubles : 

"Founder" (Laminitis in its various forms) is caused by over-heating, over-feed- 
ing, or drinking to excess. Although a systemic disturbance, it is usually manifested 
in the feet, and a horse once foundered is very likely afterward to have frequent 
trouble in these parts. "Sweeny" (Atrophy or Shrinking of the shoulder muscles) 
is another manifestation of injury, which can be "cured," but is always liable to reap- 
pear on slight provocation. A sweenied horse, no matter how thoroughly he may 
have been " cured," it is always safe to reject. 

Corns may be easily detected by tapping sharply with any blunt pointed instru- 
ment on the sole of the foot, in the angle formed by the wall at the quarter and the 
inflected portion bounding either side of the frog; they never appear in any other 
place. Bad corns are very hard to cure, and a horse thus afflicted had best be thrown 
out; but mild corns — caused usually by poor shoeing — can be easily and permanently 
cured, and need not weigh heavily against the purchase of an otherwise desirable 



74 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. 

horse. Contracted feet, also caused by improper shoeing, may be placed in the same 
class as corns. Both these troubles, if mild, may be cured, as a rule, by removing 
shoes, paring down the foot at the quarters, and letting the animal run at grass, bare- 
footed, for a month or six weeks. 

Spavin in all its forms is a trouble we have always been afraid of; some writer 
has called it "the sum of all villainy in horse-flesh" — and so it is. It affects the hind 
leg at the hock joint, sometimes as a watery swelling in front called "Bog Spavin," 
or in the rear on either side of the hamstring, when it is called " Thoroughpin," but 
in any case, it is liable to affect the small bones of this region, cause abnormal bone 
deposit, and become the justlj' dreaded "Bone Spavin," by which so many originally 
valuable animals are ruined annually. By all means reject a horse showing any indi- 
cation of Spavin or of "treatment" for Spavin. 

Curb, affecting the back or point of the hock, is of less moment; it is generally 
caused by kicking against something hard, or habitually stepping over something 
just high enough to strike the heel in passing. If the injury is recent, frequent and 
vigorous rubbing will effect a cure; if bone deposit has formed, it will always leave a 
blemish, but the horse may be — and usually is — serviceably sound. Splint — usually 
appearing as a hard bunch on the inner side of a front cannon, but sometimes on 
either side of any cannon, front or rear — is another trouble about like curb; it leaves 
a blemish, and of course prevents great speed, but, for ordinary use, the animal is as 
good as ever. 

Ringbone affects the bones of the pastern — making a bony bunch of considerable 
size — and causing, usually, serious lameness. It is considered incurable. Horses with 
short, upright pasterns, are much more subject to this trouble, and to the next, than are 
those with pasterns of an opposite character. Coffin joint lameness (Navicular dis- 
ease) is one of those troubles about which little is really known, but much written. 
The Coffin or Navicular joint is just within the hoof, and hence, practically, inacces- 
sible for treatment. As noted under Ringbone, horses with vertical pasterns are more 
subject to these troubles and should be rejected, especially when selecting for light 
wagon or carriage use. 

Concerning care and management, it has been our aim to secure statements, from 
successful breeders, of the actual methods employed by them in feeding, handling and 
breeding stock. In these statements are represented breeders of various classes of 
stock, and in different climates; and we present the following letters, in the firm belief 
that the information thus given is well worth a careful study: 

French Draft^ PerchcroHS and Trotters. 

"Houston, Tex., July 17, 1888. 

" In the growing of horses, my object has been to produce the best horse at the least expense, 
and to accomplish this, I have spared no pains in first securing the best of sires, and then providing 
clean, wholesome stables, well ventilated, with pure water and wholesome food; usually feeding oats 
twice a day and wheat bran once, but an occasional gradual change from oats to corn I have found 
advisable in maintaining the appetite. I give every sire at least five miles exercise per day. I regard 
this exercise as of special importance in the season for actual service. He is then always healthful 
and vigorous. This applies to either pure-bred or standard-bred sires that are kept up, and served to 
halter to choice mares, when registration of their progeny is required. Less valuable sires, when 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. (0 

their progeny are supposed to sell only on their individual merits, I have found it more economical 
and raised a larger percentage of colts, to turn them out in pastures with a limited number of mares, 
not to exceed 25, not failing to give them a feed of oats each day to keep them strong and vigorous; 
and, in fact, "turned loose" is the most natural way, and in all classes of breeding, it has been my 
experience that to assist nature is the best that we can do. 

"In providing food for mares, we have found it most satisfactory and economical to cut and 
stack hay in pastures, the stacks serving as food and shelter, and with much less expense and waste 
than any other way. Colts, when of sufiicient age to take from their mothers, we catch, halter and 
hitch in stable, until they learn to eat, and lose all fear of being handled, and when again caught, if 
not until maturity, they will not forget their early handling at the halter. We then turn them in pas- 
ture by themselves, wliere they have all the hay, oats and bran they will eat the first winter. They 
have then arrived at the age of one year, in a thrifty, growing condition, and will take care of them- 
selves in pasture until matured to the age of 3 or 4 years, suitable to break to saddle and harness. At 
this time avoid 'breaking' their temper and constitution, but on the contrary through a process of 
kindness, teach them to lose all fear, and when this is accomplished, the natural instincts control, and 
they will then intelligently respond to all reasonable calls. A little feed in winter, where circum- 
stances and numbers will admit, would be a judicious expense. 

Yours very truly, H. B. Sanborn." 

Mr. Sanborn's methods give a clear idea of handling for profit in the Southwest. 
The practice of breaking colts at an early age can not be too strongly urged; once 
trained, the spirit of obedience to a master's will is never lost. The natural way of 
breeding — "turned loose" — is the practice adopted by all breeders of pony mares to 
common stallions, and is satisfactory so far as percentage of foals to service is con- 
cerned ; but it must be remembered that to secure higher results — as Mr. Sanborn 
states — nature needs a large amount of assistance — indeed, a very high type of skilled 
"Art" is required to develop and bring to the surface the actual, but latent, merit of 
an individual or breed. 

Cleveland Bays, English Shires atid Clydesdales. 

"Springfield, III., August 10th, 1888. 

" My way of handling a stallion is as follows: During the winter, whilst I give him a fair allow- 
ance of grain, mixed with bran, and cut hay or oat sheaves, I do not let him jet too fleshy, giving 
him good exercise daily, and a few weeks prior to commencing the season, increase his allowance of 
grain (chiefly oats) so that on going on the stand, the horse is improving (/. «., fleshing up). Whilst 
making a season, I give a horse all he will eat (without crowding him), and in addition to the grain 
feed, give where possible some green feed, once or twice per day. If not available, then the best hay 
morning and night. I usually feed one meal per day, damped with water. 

" With regard to breeding or brood mares, would say : If there is suflicient good nutritious grass 
available, they should not require anything else, but a mare to be bred should also be improving in 
flesh, and will be much more liable to get in foal under such conditions; a little extra feed at this time 
is not thrown away. 

" In addition to their mothers' milk, colts should have access to a feed of crushed oats and bran, 
at least twice daily, and although many think this unnecessary, I think the growth and superiority of 
colts reared under these conditions, will, after being once tried, convince the most skeptical, of the 
benefits to be derived from a generous feed in addition to that provided by nature; besides, a colt is so 
much more easily weaned when taught to eat and look out for himself when young. All colts should 
be handled, haltered and broke when three years old. * * * * 

Yours truly, R. P. Stericker." 

Mr. Stericker believes in feeding his colts, and we think the point is well taken. 
At no other time in the period of horse existence will a little feed give such large 



76 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. 

return as during the first and second years, and the so-called economy of short rations 
at this time, is really the very opposite of economy in fact. 

Cleveland Bays and English Shires. 
"Cedar Falls Stock Farm, Cedar Falls, Iowa, Aug. 15, 1888. 

" Having so many stallions, it is impracticable to give them harness or saddle exercise as 
required. We have, however, large well fenced exercising grounds into which they are turned singly, 
daily. The exercise and rolling contact with mother earth, voluntarily taken in the sunlight, aids to 
keep them healthy. They have box stalls well lighted and ventilated, with earth floors and perfect clean- 
liness. Their food in the off season, should be clean, bright hay, oats mixed with bran or shorts, and 
once or twice a week, some vegetables. It is also desirable to cut and save in cellar for winter, sods 
of grass, to give them occasionally, which are eaten with avidity and benefit. In very cold weather 
a little corn would aid in maintaining animal heat, but we use it very sparingly. In case of hard 
f,-Eces, indicating costiveness, steep half pint of flaxseed, and feed with oats. We aim to keep them 
in good heart through the winter, but not fleshy. In the breeding season, the ration is more liberal 
and supplemented by half pint to a pint of hempseed (which is not a drug and is harmless) say three 
times a week, and raw eggs about as often, mixed with the feed. Fresh grass is always craved and is 
beneficial. For mares, free run in pasture on grass — the natural food — is best, with, when necessary, 
some oats and bran. Toward time for stinting to the horse, half pint of hempseed is desirable three 
times a week, and for a short time after service. It is undoubtedly good for both stallions and mares 
to have reasonable, careful work at proper times, to develop stamina and muscle and give constitution 
to offspring. Colts should run freely in pasture and have, when on dry food, a few oats, bran and 
vegetables; kept growing thriftily but not pampered; should be handled often, firmly but kindly. 
This should also be the rule in handling stallions. 

Very respectfully, W. M. Fields & Bro." 

The Cedar Falls Stock Farm is well known as carrying an excellent stock of 
horses. Mr. Fields admits that it is impossible, on account of the number on hand, to 
give each stallion the exercise which should be given, but thinks they have adopted 
the next best plan — daily yard runs in the open air. In lieu of the green sods cut and 
kept for winter use as suggested, we have understood that ensilage in small quantities 
has been used to advantage, and we should think the practice would involve much less 
trouble and expense. 

Atnerican Trotters. 
" Willow Lawn Farm, Waverly, Iowa, July 26th, 1888. 

"As I have been away from home since July 1st, have had no time to prepare statement of 
care of mares and colts, as requested; but our practice is to keep as close to nature as possible, giving 
mares entire freedom, and feeding only such grain as is necessary to keep them in fine condition at 
all times. Our colts are constantly handled by quiet, careful men, so that when ready to put in har- 
ness, we have seldom any trouble with them. We have about 50 high bred mares, and we try to give 
each mare and colt such care as their individual condition requires. 

Very truly yours, J. H. Bowman." 

Knowing the high character of " Willow Lawn" stud, we can only express regret 
that Mr. Bowman had not time to give us a more extended outline of his practice. 

Draft and Trotting Horses. 

" Fiskville, Travis Colnty, Texas, Aug. 27th, 1888. 

" In keeping stallions for public service, I have handled each year, for the past fifteen years, 
from 50 to 150 mares; one stallion that I stood six consecutive seasons, averaged, according to accu- 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HORSES. 77 

rate, written records, 83 per cent, of foals to mares served, and all animals handled by me have aver- 
aged about 75 per cent., whilst I do not think the general average will exceed 50 per cent, of foals to 
mares served. 

" My practice is to have the stallion in strong, vigorous condition, and to keep him so, through- 
out the breeding season — say from March 1st to July 1st — by constant and abundant exercise; and no 
plan will give this needed exercise in so desirable and economical shape, as to make a business horse 
of him -under the saddle and in harness, one or both. The constant use, association and control, by 
his master, renders him obedient, manageable, and safe; whilst it also keeps all the vital organs in full 
and vigorous play — which gives a larger per cent, of foals from his service, and with more constitu- 
tion and vitality. I wish to emphasize this point, for it is opposite to the prevailing custom. 

" Next, be sure your mare is in season (heat) when the stallion serves her; it requires experience 
to determine this accurately — mares vary greatly in temperament, or nervous organization, and con- 
sequently conduct themselves differently in the presence of the stallion. .Such mares as have 
dropped foals, will, almost invariably, be in heat in from seven to ten days after foaling, and with all 
mares — but especially those with young colts by their sides, restrain the stallion, compelling him to 
approach the pole slowly and carefully, so as to allay her fear on behalf of the colt. I always have 
the colt accompany its mother, else she is fretting for it, and it is more difficult to ascertain her true 
condition. After the first service by stallion, it is plain sailing; if the mare's condition is normal 
until she is safe in foal, heat will recur at intervals of 21 days, varying a little with the individual; 
thus you will see why a reasonable degree of success attends those who practice returning mares on 
the seventh or ninth day after .service. My observation has been that mares carry a heat, on tlie 
average, five days. 

"When foaling time is at hand see tliat the mare is exposed to no extra risks, then let her alone. 
When the mother's milk fails to keep the foal fat feed her grain to enrich it, and that the colt may 
learn to eat and digest the grain perfectly before weaning time, which should be done at from six to 
eight months of age, at which time it should be abundantly and regularly supplied with nutritious 
food. Oats and bran are my choice, with corn added as cold weather comes on ; the desideratum 
being to keep up thrift and growth from birth to maturity. If this is interrupted at any stage, one 
loses not only in size, but in style or symmetry. Where growing colts are thus constantly associated 
with man, the breaking in to service is a simple thing; the transition is so easy and natural that they 
hardly know it, and where light and occasional work is performed by them between the second and 
third years, by the time maturity is reached, the animals are thoroughly developed, trained and safe, 
and will command the very highest market price for their respective kinds. In fact, from discrimin- 
ating buyers, a horse known to be thus raised and trained will command an extra price. 

Very truly yours, C. A. Graves." 

Mr. Graves is careful to emphasize the necessity for actual use, either under the 

saddle or in harness, of service stallions; and brings out clearly the points in breeding 

on which beginners are apt to stumble. His letter contains some valuable information 
well worth remembering. 



PAI^X SECOND. 



C7XXTLE. 



DAIRY BREEDS. 



Holstein-Friesians Chapter XVIII . 

XIX... 
XX.... 
XXI... 
XXII.. 

xxm 



Jerseys 

Guernseys 

Ayrshires 

Dutch-Belted 

American Holderness . 

Brown Swiss 

Brittanies 

Kerries 



I'AGE 

.. 80 



91 

93 

98 

102 

XXIV 105 

XXV 108 

XXVI 110 



GENERAL PURPOSE BREEDS. 

Shorthorns Chapter XXVII 113 

Red Polled " XXVIII 120 

Devons " XXIX 124 

LONGHORNS " XXX 128 

Normandies " XXXI 130 

North-Wales- Black " XXXII 133 

Pembrokes " XXXIII 136 



BEEF BREEDS. 



Herefords Chapter XXXIV 

Galloways 

Aberdeen- Angus 

Sussex 

Simmenthal 

Brahmins (Zebu) 

West-Highlands 

Texans 



137 

XXXV 144 

XXXVI 148 

XXXVII 152 

XXXVIII 154 

XXXIX 157 

XL 160 

XLI 164 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT. 



Chapter XLI I. 



166 



HOI.STEIN-FRIESIANS. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS. 

To trace the early history and establish the origin of this now tirmly settled and 
improved breed, it is necessary to go back over the much disputed ground, until recently 
bitterly contested by the Holstein and the Dutch-Friesian Associations. The Friesians, 
or North Hollanders, from the earliest history have dwelt along the shores of the 
North Sea, and have possessed abundance of cattle; their history dates as far back as 
300 B. C, and their cattle at that time are supposed to have been pure white; tradi- 
tion intimates that the progenitors of the breed came from India, but we have no 
authentic records to that effect. 200 years later, the Batavians appear in history; they 
settled near the Friesians, and it is supposed that the cattle which they brought with 
them were black. From the crossing of these two breeds, then, might easily have 
arisen the black and white color of the present breed; however vague this theory of 
their origin may be, it is certain that these two tribes or provincial nations were after- 
wards known in common, and together celebrated for the excellence and great number 
of their cattle — so much so, indeed, that when present Holland came under Roman 
authority, the Friesians were required to pay an annual tax in hides, horns and cattle: 
the Batavians chose rather to furnish soldiers, and from this time on they seem to have 
relegated to the Friesians all the responsibility, labor and emolument arising from the 
cattle industry. 

As to whether the cattle of Friesland or North Holland were originally obtained 
from the province of Holstein — lying in the northern part of Germany, along the 
border — or the exact reverse; or, indeed, as to the truth of either assertion, it is not, 
now, necessary to consider: time has only made certain what all candid breeders of 
either Holsteins or Dutch-Friesians never denied — that the cattle of Holstein and those 
of Friesland or North Holland are, and for many years have been, practically identi- 
cal. The Holstein Breeders Association was organized and the name adopted in good 
iaith^ — what more suitable name for a breed than that of the country in which it has 
reached perfection? But gradually the cattle of Holstein were culled of the best 
specimens, and importers began to secure choice animals from North Holland, calling 
them, and having them recorded as, Holsteins. Possibly this fact may have hastened 
the organization of the Dutch-Friesian Association : be that as it may, the latter named 
society was organized in 1877, and the first volume of the Dutch-Friesian Herd Book 
of America appeared in 1880. To a careful observer, the name appeared to be about 
the onh' real difference between these two recognized breeds, and attempts were early 
made by the more conservative breeders on both sides, to join forces and admit their 
identity, by importing and breeding under one name instead of two. The name Hol- 
stein had an undoubted priority in America, and the black and white cattle of Fries- 



HOI-STKIN-FKIKSIANS. 



81 




83 HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS. 

land were persistently libeled as "Holsteins" by those who were either ignorant of 
the Friesian name, or too partisan in their views to regard it with fairness. 

The Dutch-Friesian breeders scored a strong point in their favor when they adopted 
for their Herd-Book the Main or Advanced Register — of which we will speak later — 
in addition to the usual pedigree register of other breeds. Selfish interests undoubt- 
edly operated to prevent a union of the two associations, but gradually the pressure of 
public opinion, combined with the good sense of the majority of breeders, effected a 
union: a joint committee having been appointed for the purpose of drafting a plan 
for consolidation, the two associations met in joint session May 26th, 1885, and form- 
ally adopted the plans prepared by the committee. The Holstein-Friesian Association 
(Thos. B. Wales, of Iowa City, Secretary,) retains the Advanced Registry feature, 
and we have thought best to insert here a summary of the rules and requirements for 
admission to this higher record — condensed from the full regulations adopted by the 
Association : 

First. An animal must be eligible to record in the Pedigree Register. 

Second. If a bull, he must have shown his superior qualities by his progeny, 
and must scale at least 80 points of the scale adopted ; if a cow, she must have borne 
a calf, and made one of the following records: If calving when between two and three 
years old (1) a minimum record of 10 lbs. butter in seven consecutive days; or (2) 
7200 lbs. milk in 10 consecutive months; or (3) 396 lbs. milk in 10 consecutive days, 
and a second record (4) of 132 lbs. milk in 10 consecutive days, made at any time 
after a period of 8 months from date of calving. If calving when between three and 
four years old — periods same as above — (1) a minimum of 12 lbs. butter; or (2) 8500 
lbs. milk; or (3) 473 lbs. milk, and (4) 154 lbs. milk. If calving when between four 
and five years old — periods same as above — (1) a minimum of 14 lbs. butter; or (2) 
10,000 lbs. milk; or (3) 550 lbs. milk, and (4) 187 lbs. milk. If calving when above 
five years of age — periods same as above — (1) a minimum of 16 lbs. butter; or (2) 
11,500 lbs. milk; or (3) 633 lbs. milk, and (4) 212 lbs. milk. All the records must 
be made within a period of 11 months from date of calving; the cow must be milked 
clean at the start, and days must be counted strictly — 24 hours in each; butter must be 
salted not heavier than one ounce to the pound, and worked free from excess of water 
or buttermilk; each record must be sworn to by each and every person assisting in 
making it — including, in all cases, the owner. 

description: 

In outline thev present the typical milk wedge with narrow shoulder points and 
wide strong hips; color jet black and pure white, more or less evenly variegated over 
the entire body; the brush of the tail must always be white no matter how strongly 
black may predominate elsewhere; the tastes of breeders differ as to markings, some 
preferring an excess of white, or at least evenly variegated, while others prefer to 
breed for a predominance of black, confining the white to the belly line, brush and 
star in forehead. In size they are fully equal to the Shorthorn or Hereford — bulls 
weighing from 1900 to 2300 lbs. and cows from 1200 to 1600 lbs. — lacking the 
square heavy appearance of these breeds, but suggesting magnificent constitutions by 
their powerful frames. The head is long with very little flesh, and prominent muzzle- 
veins; the mouth large and coarse; nostrils large and flexible; eyes not especially 



IIOI-STEIN-I'RIESIANS. 



83 




,^^' 






M|M| 



84 HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS. 

prominent, but large, bright and wide apart; face beautifully dished; horns small, 
clear at base, with black tips, usually pointing forward; ears large, thin, quick in 
movement and of a yellowish oily texture within; neck long, slender and finely taper- 
ing in the cow, with small dewlap suspended from lower one-third — in the bull the 
neck should still be fine at the head, but heavy, muscular and well set on at the shoul- 
ders. The shoulders are thin above, but long and very deep, giving a much greater 
shoulder-beef capacity than would appear at first thought. The rib arches gradually 
increase toward the loin region, giving ample room in the abdominal cavity, and by 
no means crowding the chest. The barrel graduallj' deepens to the region of the flank, 
which is low and well-muscled. The loin is full; hips wide apart, and on a level with 
the back; back straight throughout — although in some of the best milkers, there is 
more or less drop from the sacral region; buttocks large, and the angle between them 
in the cow wide, giving ample room for passage of foetus at parturition; tail long, 
slender and delicately tapering to the brush; hind quarters very heavy; legs rather 
longer than in the Shorthorn or Hereford, but straight and finely formed — crooked 
legs as a necessary accompaniment to milking qualities, no longer exist. The udder 
should be broad, square, close up to the body and spreading well forward on to the 
abdomen — long, low hanging meaty udders, that are nearly as large after milking as 
when distended with milk, are very objectionable; teats are nearly always even, good 
shape — not conical — and the reservoirs supplying them of about equal dimensions in 
the four divisions of the udder; escutcheon varies, and to select well, requires an accu- 
rate knowledge of these peculiar "mirrors," which we cannot give in a work of this 
kind. (For a very exhaustive exposition of the indications of escutcheons, we most 
heartily recommend the American translation of Guenon's Milch Cows.) The milk 
veins are remarkably developed in the best specimens, and the brisket, while not so 
low as in some other breeds, is broad and full. The skin is of medium thickness, soft 
and mellow to the touch; and the hair short, fine and close lying. The following 
Scale of Points was adopted August 12th, 1885, and is now in general use: 

cows. BULLS. 

2 Head 2 

2 Forehead 2 

2 Face 2 

1 Ears 1 

2 Eyes 2 

2 Horns 2 

4 Neck 5 

3 bhoulders 4 

6 Chest 8 

2 Crops 4 

3 Hack 8 

5 Barrel 

5 Loin and Hips 5 

4 Rump 5 

43 Forzvard Ti I 



HOLSTEIN-KUIESIANS. 85 

48 Forward 51 

4 Thurl 4 

4 Quarters 5 

2 Flanks 2 

5 I-egs 6 

2 Tail 2 

]() Hair and Handling 10 

10 Mammary Veins 10 

12 Udder 

8 Escutcheon 8 

Rudimentary Teats 2 

100 Perfection 100 

CHARACTERISTICS, USES AND A DAI'TABILITY : 

The prominent characteristic of the Holstein-Friesian cow lies in her wonderful 
milk production; and of the bull, in his power to transmit superior milking qualities 
to his offspring. Thev are admittedly a superior milk breed, giving a large quantity 
of milk, especially rich in casein, and fairly good in butter content. Clothilde pro- 
duced 26,021 lbs. 2 oz. of milk in one year — the second largest record ever made by 
a cow of any breed; she has also a record of 28 lbs. 2i^ oz. of butter in seven days- 
Recently some astonishing results have been obtained in the butter line: a Mercedes 
heifer, property of Thomas B. Wales, Jr., of Iowa City, Iowa, dropped her first calf 
February 13th, 1887, and when she was 2 years and 12 days old, commenced a seven 
days test. (See rules for admission to Advanced Register.) She produced 21 lbs. 8 
oz. of unsalted butter in the seven days, from a yield of 312 lbs. 6 oz. of milk — said 
to be the largest certified record, with one exception, ever made by a heifer. That this 
remarkably high butter yield is unusual must be admitted, but we give it as illustrat- 
ing the future possibilities of the Holstein-Friesian breed. 

Pieterje, 2nd, property of Mr. Dallas B. Whipple, of Cuba, N. Y., has lately com- 
pleted the greatest milk record, not only to date, but that is likely to be made for some 
time to come; she is truly a wonderful animal, having to her credit 112 lbs. 7 oz. of 
milk in one day; 3289 lbs. 10 oz. in 31 consecutive days, and the enormous amount of 
30,318 lbs. 8 oz. in one year of 365 days — surpassing the great yield of Clothilde by 
4297 lbs. and proving herself the largest milker in the world. She was bred by T. 
K. Cuperus of Boxum, Friesland, Holland; calved April 25th, 1877, and imported 
Nov. 1st, 1882, by Mr. A. Bradley of Lee, Mass. 

Touching their beef qualities we have yet much to learn; their exponents claim 
for them finely marbled, rich, juicy flesh, while the opposite faction assert that they 
are good for nothing but milk; probably a mean between these two views will be 
found more nearly correct. That the grades produced by using Holstein-Friesian 
bulls on native stock, rank well in size and thrift with the grades of either Shorthorn, 
Hereford or Galloway lineage, cannot be denied; but to claim as fine beef qualities 
for a typical milk breed, as may be found in cattle bred especially for the butcher's 
block, is too much like the theory of the individual who claims the earth. They have 
size and vigor, two things of prime value in grading up a herd of native stock, and 



86 HOLSTEIN-FRIESIANS — ^JERSEYS. 

are especially valuable for the great Southwest for the reasons: First, that they rap- 
idly improve the milking value of native stock bj' grading; and Second, that so far as 
we have been able to collect statistics, they acclimate in the fever belt with greater 
ease than any other known breed of improved cattle. They are ravenous eaters, bear 
forced feeding well, and give good return for extra care. 

Our illustrations are from the famous Lakeside Herd at Syracuse, N. Y. Clo- 
thilde we have already mentioned; Netherland Prince has proven his great value, not 
only to his owners, but to the entire Holstein-Friesian fraternity. An animal of fine 
parts in himself, of untarnished ancestry, and showing by his superior get a wonderful 
power of transmission. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



JERSEYS. 

This bi-eed — the best known and most widely distributed of the Channel Island 
groups — has long held a high place in public favor. Although there is no doubt that 
the Jerseys were originally from Normandy in France, they were long ago trans- 
planted, and became the peculiar breed of the Channel Islands. There are four of 
these islands: Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney and Serk — named in order of their size — 
the last one, Serk, being so small as to have received scarcely any notice in the records 
of the Island Breeds. The people of the Islands are essentially Norman in habits, 
appearance and dialect; but ever since Normandy was severed from English sway, 
these islands have remained, as their inhabitants evidently desired, a dependency of 
Great Britain, subject to her rule, and, what is more to the point, her protection. The 
cattle of the Islands, although at first considered as one breed, have, within the last 
fifty years, gradually drifted apart, until now there are recognized two distinct breeds, 
corresponding in name respectively to each of the two largest islands. Prof, Low 
(1842) seems to have recognized only one breed, describing that one under the name 
"Alderney," and merely mentioning the Jersey and Guernsey breeds in an incidental 
way. In America this condition of things has been continually reversed — Jerseys 
receiving most marked attention and entirely absorbing the Alderney name; while the 
Guernseys, until late yeai's few in numbers, have been frequently compelled to 
struggle even for recognition as a distinct breed. 

i ^ Improvement of both groups was effected by the kindly care and attention lavished 
upon them. In no portion of the world probably is there more attention given to the 
comforts of the cow; she is the main-stay and source of revenue to her owner, and 
holds a place in his affections justified by her financial importance. Under these 
conditions, supplemented by judicious selection in breeding, they have risen to their 
present merited position. In the United States, superior inducements have caused 
extra effort toward improvement, and the establishing of so-called fancy strains, until 
it may be safely asserted that there are as good Jerseys bred in America as can be 



67 




88 JERSEYS. 

found among those bred in their native Islands. Their importation to America dates 
from as early as 1830, and from 1850 to the present time has been rapid and sys- 
tematic. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE MODERN JERSEY: 

There are four different markings or styles of color to be found among registered 
Jerseys; and, as tastes differ, each style is in sufficient demand to justify the continued 
supply. (1) Fawn and white, evenly variegated; (2) solid fawn; (3) brown and 
white; and (4) solid brown. (Solid color means all one color, that is, without admix- 
ture of white. The solid browns, however, gradually deepen to almost pure black at 
the head and lower joints of the legs, forming what are termed "black points." With 
the solid fawns there are also darker points, so that the term "solid color" may now 
be understood to include several widely different shades of the same color.) 

In all of these styles of color, there is invariably a peculiar light, mealy-colored 
ring of hair just at the edge of, and encircling, the nostrils — generally considered the 
distinctive mark by which even low grade Jerseys may be recognized; this same mark, 
however, in slightly different shade, is frequently met with among the unimproved 
Texas cattle — a f . ct which may serve to trace some possible relation between them, 
through the old Spanish cattle from which the Texas stock originally sprang. 

The head is small, full fleshed, broad at the forehead and narrow between horns, 
with strongly dished face; large, expressive eyes, set wide apart; thin, delicate ears, 
and small, crumpled, amber colored horns. The neck is thin, long, fine at the head, 
and set into the shoulders "ewe-necked"; shoulders thin and light; forward ribs flat, 
"fish-backed," but increasing in curvature to the loin; hips fairly wide, but rump nar- 
row, and buttocks lean; body deepest at the flank, presenting the V shaped outline of 
all milk breeds; front legs short, fine boned, straight and small — hind legs somewhat 
coarser, and, in the less improved animals, rather crooked. The best improved speci- 
mens have been bred away from the crooked hocks of their ancestors, and can present 
as straight and clean a pair of heels as one would wish to see. The Jersey udder as a 
rule is not large, but its capacity is good, and the escutcheon, in all its forms, is built 
upon the rich orange yellow skin, which clearly marks the dominant characteristic of 
the animal — butter. The general appearance of the Jersey is that of all highly sensi- 
tive, nervous temperaments; and, taken in connection with its peculiar color, furnishes 
a striking resemblance to the well-known Southern deer. 

The following Scale of Points was adopted May 6th, 1885, by the American Jersey 
Cattle Club (F. W. Wicks of New York City, Secretary), and is now in general use: 

cows. BULLS. 

2 Head 2 

1 Eyes 1 

8 Neck 8 

1 Back 1 

C) Loin 6 

10 Barrel 10 

10 Hips and Rump 10 

38 Forzvard 38 



89 




90 JERSEYS. 

38 Forward 38 

2 Legs 2 

1 Tail 1 

5 Skin 5 

13 Fore Udder 

11 Hind Udder 

10 Teats ,..10 

5 Milk Veins 

5 Disposition 5 

10 General Appearance and Constitution. ... 10 

Progen}- (for Bulls when exhibited in a 

separate class with their progeny) 29 

100 Perfection 100 

In judging heifers, use same scale as for cows, omitiing numbers 11, VI and 14. 
characteristics: 

As indicated above, the all-absorbing trait of the Jersey cow, is the uniform rich- 
ness of her milk in butter content; the globules are large, causing the cream to separ- 
ate easily and quickly from the body of the milk; and the butter produced from it is 
naturally more highly colored, under the same conditions as to food and care, than that 
of any other breed except, perhaps. Guernseys. In size the Jersey ranks with the 
small breeds, mature bulls weighing from 1000 to 1300 lbs., cows from 650 to 950 lbs. 

As a family cow to supply cream or butter, or both, for the home table, the 
Jersey has no superior. For the butter dairy, as a special purpose cow, she is also 
excellent, if not Queen. To show the capabilities of the Jersey breed for butter, we 
give the following records of cows under extra conditions: 

Landseer's Fancy made 936 lbs., 143^ oz. in one year; Massena made 902 lbs., 3 
oz.; Matilda 4th, made 927 lbs., 8^^ oz. These are of course rare cases; a yield of 
300 lbs. butter to the cow is more than an average. 

The beef capacity of the breed is small. If sex in offspring could be controlled, 
it might be profitable to breed Jerseys on a large scale for their butter feature alone; 
but since the number of steer calves is usually equal to the number of heifers, and 
since there is always a greater or less number of heifers deficient in milking quality, 
which must be fed for the butcher, it is evident that breeding Jerseys for home use — 
not for sale as breeding stock — might prove a losing business. 

The farmer who keeps a few cows and depends on the annual sale of a few fat 
steers to meet his expenses, demands a breed of larger frame and greater aptitude for 
beef; but in their legitimate sphere, Jerseys must always rank deservedly high. 

It is very commonly stated that the bulls of this breed are vicious and ill-tem- 
pered. We think this opinion is based upon nothing more than the fact of their 
extremely nervous temperament, already referred to. They undoubtedly require 
skillful handling; but when so managed, are not more inclined to viciousness than the 
bulls of other breeds. Because there are at present so many Jerseys in the Southern 
States there has arisen a very popular but erroneous notion, that they acclimate with 
greater safety than cattle of other breeds; the real facts in the case are that at least 



JERSEYS — GUERNSEYS. 



9t 



three of the improved breeds rank ahead of them in this respect — their greater number 
in the South being due to their earHer importation, and hence longer period for the 
breeding of acclimateil stock. 

A study of the illustrations engraved after sketches from life, by well-known 
artists, will give a good idea of the appearance of this valuable bred. 



CHAPTER XX. 



GUERNSEYS, 



This breed, having an origin probably identical with that of the Jersey, has- 
rapidly, but surely increased, both in popularity and inherent worth. Near the large 
cities of the United States, Guernseys are now found in considerable numbers, and 
there is a growing sentiment in their favor throughout the entire country. They 
were introduced into America about the time of the first Jersey importations, but have 
not become so widely distributed nor so generally known. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

These points may be best studied by comparing them bricHv witii the full des- 
cription of the Jersey already given. They are larger and coarser, being rather 
inclined to appear bony. Color varies; yellow, yellowish or reddish fawn, and 
brown, of solid colors, frequently with considerable spotting of white, and showing 
the same mealy-colored ring — although less marked — about the nostrils. Bones are 
larger, head longer, and general appearance indicative more of utilit\- than beautv- 




IMPORTED GUERNSEY COW, SELECT, 2205. 

Property of J. W. Kllleh, Catasauqua, Pa. 



92 



GUERNSEYS. 



■Quality of milk, ;W 



Quantity and dur- 
ation of How, 40 



She is, like her Jersey sister, a milk and butter cow, and in her place ranks as good as 

the best. The butter made from Guernsey cows is claimed to be even more highly 

colored than that from the Jersey. 

The following Scale of Points has been adoptetl by the American Guernse_v 

■Cattle Club ( Etlward Norton, of Farmington, Conn., Secretar\- ) : 

1 Skin deep yellow, in ear, on end of bone of tail, at base of 

horn, on udder, teats and body generally 20 

Skin loose, mellow, with fine, soft hair 10 

Escutcheon wide on thighs, high and broad, with thigh o\ als, 8 

Milk veins long and prominent 6 

Udder full in front i 6 

Udder full and well up behind . [ 18* 8 

Udder large but not fleshy .... ) 4 

Udder teats squarely placed 4 

Udder teats of good size 4 

Size for the breed 5 

Not too light bone 1 

Barrel round and deep at flank 4 

Hips and joints wide 2 

Rump long and broad 2 

Thighs and withers thin 2 

Back level to setting on of tail 3 

Throat clean, with small dewlap 1 

Legs not too long, with hocks well apart In walking 2 

14 -' Tail long and thin 1 

Horns curved and not coarse 2 

Head rather long and fine, with i[uiet and gentle expression, 3 

General appearance 2 

100 Perfection 100 

*For bulls deduct the IS points for I'llder from 



Size and sul 
stance . . . 



.16 



Symnietrv 




IMPORTED GUERNSEY COW, JOLIE 2d, 2206. 

Property of J. W. Fi i.i.er. Catasauqua, Pa. 



(il'liKN'SIiYS — AY USUI RES. 



oa 




IMPORTED GUERNSEY COW, WINDFALL, 2206. 

I'r.,|)i-llv ,.f I. W . ll r.l.KK, C;.t.l>^.uquil, I'a. 

Of our illustrations \vc may say, in brief: Imported Select brought with her fr(jni 
the island a record of 22 lbs. 8 oz. of well worked and salted butter in seven days, and 
of milk showing 18.05 per cent, total solids, of which 8.09 per cent, was fat, with a 
yield of about 22^ quarts a day, on a ration of three quarts of crushed oats and three 
of wheat bran a day, and grass. Jolie 2nd is perhaps the best cow in Mr. Fuller's 
herd, and gives when in full milk, 33 quarts per day ; in 1884 this cow won the first 
Island prize over her famous half sister. Flukes. Windfall is also a wonderful milker, 
and, although well advanced in years, may still be ranked as one of the jjrinie Guern- 
seys in America. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



AY R SII I RES. 



The A3'rshire breed is of comparative! v recent origin: in Cully's work on Live 
Stock(1790), it is not even mentioned. Alton in 1825 mentioned it, but described an 
entirely different animal from the present improved Ayrshire. Even as late as 1842 
Prof. Low closes his history of their origin as follows: 

"We may assume then, from all the evidence, which in the absence of authentic documents, 
the case admits of, that the dairy breed of Ayrshire owes the characters which distinguish it from 
the older race, to a mixture with the blood of races of the continent, and of the dairy breed of 
Alderney." 

Afterwards, in the same L-hapter, he gives us a prettv definite idea as to how the 
later improvement was effected in the statement that " some })reeders in Ayrshire 



94 



AYRSHIRES. 



have begun to cross the breed with the Shorthorns." Allen ( American cattle) makes 
a shrewd "guess" as to how the improvement was brought about; he says: 

" It could be from no other than the direct cross of small compact Shorthorn bulls, descended 
from the best milking cows in the northeastern counties of England, on the cows descended from 
the Holderness bulls of Lord Marchmont, and their crosses from the 'conjectured' Dutch bulls, 
brought in by Mr. Dunlop. From no other race of cattle, either Scotch, English or Irish, could the 
improved Ayrshires get their shape, color and milking qualities combined." 

They are undoubtedly based on the hardy West Highland or Kyloe stock; that 
the Alderney or Jersey breed was used in the crosses, would appear from the early 
descriptions given ; and that the " guess " made by Allen may at least approximate 
the truth, is evidenced by the present appearance of the breed and the gradual change 
it has made within the past 40 or 50 years. 

DESCRIPTION OV MODERN AYRSHIRE: 

Color varies almost as much as in Shorthorns, and is indeed very much the same 
— red and white predominating; but in many individuals black hairs scattered through 
the red, give a blue and white color which we have never seen among pure Short- 
horns. Roans are quite common, and roan and white, or patched roans, were formerly 
very abundant. Later breeders, however, require colors of whatever shade to be 
distinct. 

The general outline of the body is similar to that of all milk breeds — being light 
and narrow in front and gradually deepening toward the hind quarters. The head is 
narrow and close fleshed — in the bull wider but still showing the more delicate con- 
tour peculiar to bulls of milking strains — with bright medium sized eyes, and small 
horns, showing a tendency, among cattle of our acquaintance, to assume more or less 










AYRSHIRE BULL, SIR HUGH, 2582. 

I'r..|H-rtv of II. K. C. Wat-<.in, West F;irms, X. V. 



A\ KM I IKES. 



95 




96 



AYKSHIRES. 



irregular positions ; ears thin and well coated ; neck fine, without dewlap — in the bull 
naturally arched ; body deepening toward the flank ; ribs, at first flat, arching toward 
the loin; loin, hips and rump full and even with the back; tail dropping squarely; legs 
straight with rather thin twist, and brisket close and firm fleshed. The udder of the 
Ayrshire cow is her especial peculiarity; it is large but so broad and vertically flat- 
tened as to appear small; it spreads out well both in front and to rear — divisions 
strongly marked, with small cylindrical teats, wide apart and evenly placed. Her 
escutcheons are usually of a high order — especially the front ovals being well devel- 
oped, and the milk veins show with considerable prominence. 

In general appearance, the Ayrshire of the present day has lost much of the 
lean, ungainly outline once supposed to be necessarily co-existent with dairy excel- 
lence, and assumed a neat, trim, well roimded, though not beefy, form, which cannot 
fail to increase its popularity. 

characteristics: 

We regard it as a waste of argument to try to convince the public — as many have 
attempted — that the Ayrshires are general purpose animals; they are, and have been, 
a distinctive class of milk stock, differing from all known breeds in the high per cent, 
of casein or cheesy matter of the milk. For butter, the Ayrshire has not been classed 
among the best, for the reason that the globules are not equal in size, causing the 
cream to rise unevenly, and injuring the grain of the butter by reason of protracted 
churning; the use of the centrifugal in cream separation practically does away with 
the first objection, but the second has yet to be overcome before they can take high 
rank as butter producers. In quantity of milk they excel the Jersey, but fall short of 







AYRSHIRE COW. 

Property of H. R. C. Watson, West Farms, N. Y. 



AVKSIIIKK 



97 



the Holstein-Friesian : the pi.'iccnt;i;,'c of fat in the milk is good, and, taken in connec- 
tion with the large amount of casein, renders the milk from an Ayrshire dairy pre- 
eminent for cheese. 

Their beef claims must be accepted with some latitude. Unquestionably they 
produce excellent beef under favorable conditions, but there is too great a tendency 
toward milk to admit of any very marked aptitude for fattening. In size they rank 
with the small breeds — mature liulls weighing from 1200 to 1500 lbs., and cows from 
900 to 1100 lbs. 

As showing the average yield under ordinary conditions, and with very light 
feed, we give the public record of the herd owned by C. M. Winslow, Brandon, Vt.: 

Average of 10 cows for year 1880, each 6035 lbs. milk. 
11 " " 1881, " 6176 

9 " " 1882, " 6672 

15 " " 1883, " 6168 

16 " " 1884, " 6814 
15 " " 1885, " 7025 

The following Scale of Points to be used in connection with description given 
was adopted by the Ayrshire Breeders' Association (C. M. Winslow, Secretary), 
Feb. 4th, 1885: 

cows. BUI,LS. 

10 Head 10 

5 Neck 10 

5 Fore-quarters i 

10 Back 10 

8 Hind-quarters 10 

33 Udder 

Scrotum and Rudimentary teats ... 10 

3 Legs '. 5 

5 Skin and Hair 10 

3 Color 3 

8 Live Weight 10 

10 General appearance 15 

100 Perfection 100 

Referring to our illustrations: Dutchess of Smithfield, 4256, has a record of 
10,748 lbs. of milk in one year, and 19 lbs. 6 oz. butter in seven days; she won first 
prizes at Rhode Island State Fairs of 1879 to 1881; at Woonsocket, 1879; and second 
prize at New York State Fair in 1882. Sir Hugh, 2582, won first prize at New 
York State Fair in 1882, and second for bull and four of his get, at New York Dairy 
and Cattle Show, 1887. The large engraving — group from the herd of Coldren & 
Lee — shows the variety in color markings common to the breed by a predominance 
of white, and represents a fair sample of the excellent herd from which it is taken. 



DUTCH-BELTED CATTLE. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



DUTCH-BELTED CATTLE. 



Natives of Holland, and of a pure black and white color, they have been fre- 
quently described as peculiarly marked Holstein-Friesians. It must be remembered, 
however, that no matter how closely these two Dutch races of cattle may have been 
related at first, they are now justly recognized as pure and distinct breeds. 

The original name of the Dutch-Belted cattle, and the one still used in Holland 
is " Lakenfield " cattle — the name having reference to the peculiar white belt or sheet 
passing completely around the bodv. From the first volume of the Dutch-Belted 
Cattle Herd Book, we quote : 

" Their breeding dates back to beyond tlie ITth century ;" 
And again : 

"These cattle were solely controlled b_v the nobility of Holland, and they are to the present 
time keeping them pure, but are not inclined to part with them." 

A fact ^vhich mav account for the comparatix elv small number found at present in 
America. 

The peculiar color markings of these cattle show an attainment in the science of 
breeding, really wonderftd. Prof. Low attributes the first appearance of the belted 
marking to a cross between two fixed original breeds of opposite color, and this theory 
is doubtless correct; but to found a breed which will transmit such peculiar points with 
certainty — as do the Dutch-Belted cattle — was a task, the magnitude of which is only 
excelled by the results attained. 

Among the first importers to America were D. H. Haight, of Goshen, N. Y. — 
who made the first importation to the L^nited States in 1838; W. R. Coleman, and P. 
T. Barnum — the Nation's Showman. Mr. Barnum says: 

" They struck my fancy in Holland. I imported them and found their unique and singular 
appearance not their best recommendation, for they are excellent milkers." 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color, as ahead}' mentioned, jet black \\ith a broad band or " belt " of purest 
white jDassing completely around the body. The milk outline is beautifully shown 
in long head; fine, rather thin neck — well arched in the bull, but still fine at 
head; small horns; wide chest; straight back; broad, level hips; deep quarters, and 
square well-placed udder. In size thev are somewhat above medium — mature cows 
weighing from 900 to 1200 lbs.; and bulls from 1(500 to 2000 lbs. They are strong 
and vigorous, usually kind and docile indisposition; and ti^ansmit, with great certain- 
ty, all their original qualities. 

In addition to the above we give the following standard description, combined 
with Scale of Points, which has been formally adopted bv the Dutch-Belted Cattle 
Association of America: 



DUTCII-HKI.TED CATTLE. 




100 DUTCH-BELTED CATTLE. 

COWS. BULLS. 

8 Color 8 

(Bodj color black, with a clearly defined continuous white belt. The 
belt to be of medium width, beginning behind the shoulder and ex- 
tending nearly to the hips.) 

6 Head 6 

(Comparatively long and somewhat dishing — broad between the eyes ; 
poll prominent; muzzle fine; dark tongue.) 

4 Eyes and Horns 4 

(Eyes black, full and mild; horns, long compared with their diameter.) 

fi Neck 6 

(Fine and moderately thin, and should harmonize in symmetry with 
the neck and shoulders.) 

4 Shoulders 9 

(Fine at the top, becoming deep and broad as they extend backward 
and downward, with a low chest.) 

10 Barrel 10 

(Large and deep, with well developed abdomen; ribs well rounded 
and free from fat.) 

10 Hips 10 

(Broad, with level chine and full loin.) 

6 Rump 6 

(High, long and broad.) 

8 Hindquarters 8 

(Long and deep, rear line incurving; tail long, thin, tapering to a full 
switch.) 

3 Legs 3 

(Short, clean, standing well apart.) 

20 Udder 

(Large, well developed front and rear; teats of convenient size and 
wide apart; mammary veins large, long and crooked, entering 
large orifices.) 

Rudimentary teats 10 

(Size and wide-spread placing.) 

2 Escutcheon 2 

8 Hair and Skin 3 

(Fine and soft; skin of moderate thickness, of a rich dark or yellow 
color.) 

4 Disposition 4 

(Quiet; animal free from excessive fat.) 
fi General condition and constitution. . 6 

100 Perfection 100 

They are a dairy breed, the cows producing a large quantity of milk, which is 
above the average in butter content. For beef they are fair, standing fully equal to 
other dairy breeds in this respect. Our illustrations are from the herd of -Mr. H. B. 
Richards — the genial secretary of the societj' and editor of the " Dutch-Belted Cattle 
Herd Book " — and are excellent portraits of his celebrated cow, Lady Aldine, and 
the bull, Edward the Great, now owned, we believe, in Illinois. 



r)U I'C 1 1- li E I.TK I> C A TTLE. 



101 




102 AMERICAN HOLDERNESS. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



AMERICAN HOLDERNESS. 

The origin and history of this breed are fraught with singuhir interest as illus- 
trating the peculiar methods used by breeders in fixing type. 

Some fifty or sixty years ago, Mr. Truman A. Cole, of Solsville, N. Y., pur- 
chased a cow of imported stock called "Holderness" — originally from the West 
Riding of Yorkshire, England; she was red and white in color, of large size, an ex- 
cellent milker, and was at the time in calf by a bull of the same breed. Her offspring 
proved to be a male ; when this calf was a yearling, he was bred to his own mother, 
the result being a heifer calf, which was afterwards bred to the same bull. To put 
the history of their improvement in a nutshell : Mr. Cole has continually and closely 
in-bred, never admitting a single drop of outside blood until he has produced a breed 
thoroughly fixed in type, and accurately transmitting even the least of its distinguish- 
ing qualities. A remarkable change has taken place in their color markings as seen 
from the following 

DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN HOLDERNESS: 

When first dropped, the sides, neck and head are reddish brown; as they increase 
in age this color changes to a dark brown or jet black, while the white lines on back 
and belly remain unchanged from birth. The legs correspond in color with the sides, 
except at the belly line, where a white band is thrown across, presenting a novel and 
attractive design. (This change from the former Shorthorn colors of the Yorkshire 
cattle, can only be accounted for by assuming that the close incestuous breeding prac- 
ticed by Mr. Cole, has caused them to revert to the colors of their original Dutch 
ancestry.) 

In size thev are nearly equal to the Holstein-Friesians; and in outline also very 
similar. The head is neat, close-fleshed, long in the cow and shorter in the bull ; 
horns short and curving forward ; neck fine at head — in the bull arching — and well 
set on at shoulders; back keeping up an even, straight line from the shoulders to the 
drop of the tail; flanks deep, udder large, broad, well forward, with good-sized teats, 
placed evenly and wide apart. 

The)' are emphatically a dairy breed, as illustrated by the fact that nineteen cows 
of Mr. Cole's herd — two years old and upwards — actually made 5,860 lbs. of butter 
during the season of 1879 — an average of a little over 308 pounds of butter to each 
cow. Mr. Cole states that he could easily have brought up the average to 350 pounds, 
if he had not raised the calves. While not equaling the Holstein-Friesians in quantity 
of milk, they are said to excel them in richness of product for butter. Their beef 



AMKKICAN IIOI,nEHNESS. 



108 



^iLuU 




104 



AMERICAN HOI-DERNESS. 




AMKIUCAN II()I.ni;UNi;sS— liliOWN SWISS. 105 

qualities are also good, and taUoii all in all, we predict for them a popular reception 
in strict keeping with their nieiits. They are by no means generally known; yet 
they have found a foothold in nearly all of the Northern States, and wherexer fomid 
are rapidly growing in favor. 

Our illustrations, better than any description, will give an excellent idea of their 
appearance. Mr. Cole's herd has become justly celebrated ; and by his skill and care- 
fulness, he has won for himself a most enviable reputation as a jjatient and ])ainstaking 
breeder, and as the ori"inator of the American Holderness Breed. 



CHAPTER XXrV. 



B R O \\' X S AA' I S S. 

The history of this breed may be given briefly by stating that it has been built 
up step by step from the common bovine ancestry of Switzerland and neighboring 
countries. Improvement has been effected almost solely by selection and light 
in-breeding, and is most noticeable in those districts or " Cantons" of Switzerland, 
like Schwytz, which are peopled by progressive, well-to-do farmers — men who have 
always taken a great pride in their cattle, and, prompted no doubt by local jealousies, 
have striven, each, to make his herd the best and purest of the race. 

IMPORTATION TO AMERICA: 

In the United States the Brown Swiss have been slow to find purchasers until 
within the last few years. The first importation was made by H. M. Clarke, of Bel- 
mont, Mass., about 1870, since ■which time several importations have been made, and 
the demand in the United States is now quite active. The Brown-Sw^iss Breeders' 
Association has been organized, and Volume I. of their record appeared in 1881. In 
the Eastern States this breed has already attained considerable prominence; while in 
the West and South it is little known. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color, solid chestnut bronze, somewhat lighter at the back and belly line, and 
showing the same mealy ring at the muzzle, so well known as characteristic of the 
Jerseys. The hoofs, tongue, nose and switch of the tail are always black : while the 
light belly line extends more or less over the escutcheon and inner surface of the legs. 
In size they are above medium, mature bulls w'eighing from 1700 to 2100 lbs., and 
cows from 1100 to 1300 lbs. The head is large; horns short and waxy, with black 
tips; ears well covered inside with long, light-colored hair; neck short, witli rather 
heavy dewlap; legs short and straight, with wide thighs and deep quarters and; gen- 
eral outline shoxving the milk breed. The cows have excellent escutcheons, \vell 
formed udders, and give a good quantity of rich milk. Mr. N. S. Fish of Groton, 



lOH 



BROWN SWISS. 




BROWN SWISS BULL, SOL TEL, 20. 

Weight at 3 years, 1630 lbs.; property of Geo. W. Hakkis, Wethersfield, Conn. 




^,v7 



BROWN SWISS COW, FRANCES, 26. 

Property of N. S. Fish, Groton, Conn. 



HKOWN SWISS. 



107 



^<\\\\iW.jm' 




108 BROWX SWISS BRITTANY CATTLE. 

Ct., Secretary of the Association, writing nndcr date of Jnly lOtli, 1888, says of this 

breed : 

" * * ^ * While they will not give as rich milk for butter as the Jerseys, they 

will give a much larger tiiiantity of fine-flavored, rich milk; and on same feed give as much as the 

celebrated Holsteins; at least, such has been the experience of some who have had them under like 

circumstances." 

As to the ease with which they acclimate in the fever belt, we have as yet no 

information. The cattle are thrifty, mature early and promise to find abundant favor 

in the Western States for the dairy. 

The followingr Scale of Points has been adopted by the Brown Swiss Breeders 

Association : 

Head 2 Forward 43 

Face 2 Legs 4 

Ears 1 Tail 4 

Nose 2 Hide 3 

Eyes 1 Color 6 

Horns 5 Fore-udder 10 

Neck 4 Hind-udder 10 

Chest 4 Teats 5 

Back Milk-veins 4 

Barrel 8 Escutcheon 7 

HijDS 4 Disposition 4 

Thighs 4 

Forward 43 Perfection 100 

In judging bulls and heifers, omit the points for Fore-udder, Hind-udder, and 
Teats, as given above; and in color thcv should be dark brown. 

Our illustrations — all originallv from photo's — may be accepted as accurate repre- 
sentations of the breed. 



CHAPTER XXV. 



BRITTANY CATTLE. 

From best authority obtainable, this breed of cattle has an origin much in com- 
mon with that of the Holstein-Friesian; difference in climate, soil and vegetation, 
having, through years of time, made the difference in size and in other respects as 
now observed. The breed is now said to be " native" to the five departments of 
France, which formerly made up the Province of Bretagne, and in support of the 
statement as to origin, it may be noted, that a considerable variation among the cattle, 
as to size and milking capacity, is found in the various localities of their native 
province. 



BRITTANY CATTLE. 



I01» 



( -n 




W,!..'^*'* 



BRITTANY BULL. 




BRITTANY COW. 



110 BRITTANV CATTLE KERRY CATTLE. 

A fuw have lu'cn imported to the United .States at varit)us times within the last 
decade, l)ut thev are bv no means generally known. Mr. W. B. Montgomery, of 
Starkville, Miss, (better known as a breeder of Jerseys) has a herd of 12 or 15 cows 
and two Imlls. ^^'riting to the author under date August 6th, ISSS, this gentleman 
says: 

"Thev are tlie hardiest of all the breeds of which I have any knowledge, and on scant pastur- 
age, and poor soil, will give better results in the butter dairy than any breed with which I am 
acquainted. On moderately fertile Land, and with proper care and attention, Jersey cattle are greatly 
to be preferred; but the Brittanies, on scant feed and on rough mountain lands, will prove superior 
to the Jersey." 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color, clear black and white — almost exactly similar to that of the Holstein- 

Friesian the white showing a tendency to appear over shoulders and hips, and along 

the belly line; the membrane surrounding the tongue is always white — a mark which 
may be called a distinguishing characteristic of the breed. 

In size they are classed as small — about equal to the Jersey — mature bulls weigh- 
ing from 1000 to 1800 lbs.; cows from 650 to 950 lbs. The head and neck are fine, 
even delicate, with little or no dewlap. The horns small, always black at the tips, 
and sometimes black throughout, rather longer than Jersey horns, and approaching 
more nearly those of the Devon in curvature; the back is even, chest large, and 
haunch and buttock bones wide apart. The legs are well proportioned to size of 
body, hair fine and short, and skin mellow and of medium thickness. 

The Brittany cows are strictly dairy animals, giving a good quantity of rich milk, 
and are claimed to give a greater yield on scant grazing than cows of any other breed. 
Much allowance must be made for extra\agant claims of partisan breeders, yet we 
believe the Brittany breed ^vill find, in our districts of less fertility, ainple iaxor with 
those best qualified to judge. 

Our illustrations were reengraved by permission, from lithographs used by the 
Department of State in the recently issued Volume of Consular Reports on Cattle 
and Dairy Farming — and were originally from photographs taken in France. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



KERRY CATTLE. 

This breed the only one of any prominence nati\e to Ireland — has of late years 

found its way to America, and is attracting considerable attention. In the volume of 
Consular Reports on Cattle and Dairy Farming, previously mentioned, Mr. Gumble- 
ton refers to the "Kerry Cattle, which are very pretty (small in size and black) and 
very good milkers." Mr. Richard Good says the Kerrys " are attracting more atten- 
tion than the\' did formerlv, owing to the case with which they are managed;" and 



KEURV CATTLE. 



Ill 




112 KERRY CATTLE. 

that "they are particularly suited to mountainous districts, which would not properly 
feed Shorthorns." It may be here stated that the County of Kerry, whence they 
derive the name, is the most mountainous, as it is the most western, portion of the 
island. The Kerries form as nearly an aboriginal breed as possible, tracing back 
to the wild "Forest" stock, and showing the stages of improvement all through their 
history. 

Within the last three years, several small importations have been made to the 
United States: the largest of which we have any knowledge numbering 11 head, was 
made by Mr. Edward Kemp, of the well-known tirm of Lanham & Kemp, New 
York City, in 1886. 

Mr. Kemp is proprietor of the "Locust Farm," Rumsen Neck, New Jersey^ 
where his Kerries, Holstein-Friesians, and Hambletonians are now kept. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color, black, but this is only a fashionable point of the last 10 or 15 years, so 
that black and white — "line backs" — and even reds are still found. Low, in 1842, 
described them as "generally black, with a white ridge along the spine;" he further 
says that a white streak along the belly was common, and other colors, such as brown, 
red and spotted, were met with. Breeders are now strictly adhering to the black 
coats, and will in time eliminate all other colors. 

In size, the Kerry cattle are small — mature bulls weighing 800 to 1100 lbs., and 
cows from 600 to 800 lbs. The head is small, with long clean muzzle and thin lips; 
eyes expressive; horns fine, short and white — "middle horns" — usually turning 
upward; neck, fine at head and well set on to deep but narrow shoulders; body gradu- 
ally deepens to the flank, but the riunp is narrow and the thighs light. The dewlap 
is rather scant, and the brisket small and close fleshed ; legs are neat and fine, but 
rather long, and the tail slender and dropping squarely. The hair is rather long and 
thick, but the skin is mellow with good handling properties. In general appearance, 
the Kerries are neat, small sized dairy animals, showing the typical milk wedge, and 
quiet disposition so essential to dairy excellence. 

They are bred exclusively for milk and their partisans claim for them an unriv- 
alled production on scanty hill or mountain ranges. To explain their dairy worth in 
more definite manner, we appropriate from the weekly edition of the National Live 
Stock yournal oi Chicago — issue of July 24th, 1888 — the following clipping, refer- 
ring to four Kerry cows, which were recently entered at The Royal Counties Show: 

"One of the four was reserve number and very highly commended, and another commended; 
moreover, it will be seen bv the following figures that the 'reserve' Kerry gave more butter in pro- 
portion to quantity of milk than even the first or second prize cows, though one of them was a 
Jersey. The first prize cow, a Shorthorn, gave 2 galls. 2 pints of milk, yielding 1 lb. 3K oz. butter; 
the second prize, a Jersey, gave 3 galls. 3% pints of milk, yielding 1 lb. 4 oz. butter; the Kerry very 
highly commended and reserve, gave 2 gallons of milk, yielding 1 lb. 1J4 oz. butter." 

Nothing is said as to conditions or food for the three cows inentioned, but we 
may reasonably infer that these points were made as nearly equal as possible. 

The Kerries are certainly hardy for more northern latitudes, but we can say 
nothing as to their acclimation in the South. The " Dexter " strain of Kerry cattle 
has been quite extensivelv fostered, and we mention briefly the points of difference; 



KKRHY CATTLE SHOIITHORNS Olt DUHUAMS. 113 

it gets the name from that of its founder, who is supposed to have changed the type 
by selection. The head is coarser; horns thicker and more nearly straight; the body 
round and blocky and the legs short and thick. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



SHORTHORNS OR DURHAMS. 

The origin of this valuable breed has alv\-ays been a subject of more or less dis- 
pute — ardent admirers of the Shorthorn claiming an almost unbroken line of pure 
descent, and improvement solely by careful selection, feeding and management; 
others, perhaps partisans of other breeds, claiming that whatever improvement has 
been made, and in fact, whatever excellence the breed might possess, has been brought 
about by judicious but stealthy crosses with superior individuals of other breeds. That 
there was a time when the Shorthorn ancestry were only native cattle, even the most 
earnest advocates of their purity must admit; but it is also true, that, if there have 
been any radical out-crosses since the breed became definitely known as such, they 
have been exceedingly stealthy ones. 

EARI.V HISTORY. 

Their probable history begins with the cattle of the mainland of Europe, in the 
provinces bordering on the Baltic and North Seas. These cattle possessed many of 
the qualities now claimed by Shorthorns — including color and size; but there was a 
general disposition toward excellence in milking qualities rather than the full, rounded, 
symmetrical, beef outline of a majority of modern Shorthorns as bred for range im- 
provement in the Western States. 

Prior to the Conquest of England by William of Normandy, the northern and 
eastern portion was occupied by Danes and other warlike races from the mainland: 
these people did not confine their operations to war and pillage alone; but, while 
holding the eastern coastline of the island, established a considerable trade in mer- 
chandise and agricultural products to and from the mainland. In this way, it is 
claimed, were the Shorthorn progenitors introduced into England; and what renders 
the claim more probable, is the fact, that the first Shorthorns were found in, and con- 
fined to, those counties or shires lying along the northern and eastern boundaries. 

improvement: 

As early as 1740, permanent records were kept bv the more careful breeders; 
and, according to Mr. Bates, there were fine Shorthorns upon the estate of the Earl of 
Northumberland as early as the year 1600. Mr. Millbank of Barningham, and Sir 
William St. Quintin of Scampston, were among the early noted breeders previous to 
1750; but it was not until the Colling Bros, began raising them for profit, that the 



114 



SHORTHORNS OR DURHAMS. 




SIIORTIIOKNS OR DUHHAMS. 115 

Shorthorns obtained anything like general notice or favor. They established them- 
selves about 1780 — Chas. Colling at Ketton and his brother Robert at Barmpton — 
both places near Darlington on the river Tees. While keeping their herds distinct, 
they worked more or less together, freely interchanging the use of their bulls. The 
method pursued by them was to select the best animals, male and female, that could 
be found among neighboring and even quite distant breeders, breed them together. 
Keeping up best conditions as to food and management, and carefully in-breed to fix 
the type. (By the term in-breeding, which we have frequently used, is meant the 
breeding together of animals more or less closely related ; the object being to perpet- 
uate certain characteristics, common to both parents in the offspring. While very 
valuable if carefully used, the principle of in-breeding is dangerous if carried to 
extremes, and should be used lightly unless by the most skillful breeders.) Early in 
their history (1780) Chas. Colling purchased, for $42.00, the bull Hubback; he 
proved a most excellent stock-getter, and now ranks as one of the most celebrated 
bulls in Shorthorn history. In 1810, Comet — the direct offspring of Bolinbroke and 
Phoenix, and a lineal descendant of Hubback — was sold for $5,000.00, showing to 
what extent these cattle had advanced both in merit and popular favor. After Colling 
Bros., in point of time, came Thos. and Richard Booth and Thomas Bates. These 
men secured their stock from Colling, but while Booth Bros, persisted in breeding for 
beef, and the full, rounded points so much admired for the butcher's block, Bates was 
carefully selecting and breeding with main reference to milking qualities: thus it 
happened that Shorthorn improvement was started in two parallel, but distinctly dif- 
ferent lines. From these two main lines of improvement, the tastes of different indi- 
viduals have given rise to numberless "strains" or "families" all having the same 
general characteristics, but differing in color, beef and milk qualities, or other par- 
ticulars. 

EARLY IMPORTATION INTO THE UNITED STATES: 

It is probable that importations were made very soon after the close of the Revol- 
utionary War with England, as cattle answering the description of Shorthorns were 
found in Virginia as early as 1790, and in 1797 some of these cattle were taken across 
the line to Kentucky by a Mr. Patton, soon becoming quite well-known as the 
" Patton Stock." Authentic importations were made direct from England by Mr. 
Cox in 1816; by Col. Lewis Sanders and Brutus J. Clay, both of Kentucky, in 1817; 
and from this time on importations on a small scale were quite frequent. In 1834-5-6, 
Shorthorns were brought over in considerable numbers by a company made up for 
this purpose among breeders in the Scioto Valley in Ohio, and acting through an 
agent who was supplied with almost unlimited funds. The first introduction of the 
celebrated Duchess strain was made about 1840, by a Mr. Vail of Troy, N. Y., who 
secured a bull and a heifer direct from the herd of Thos. Bates. Among the earlier 
noted breeders in America, we may mention Samuel Thorne of Thornedale, N. Y., 
and R. J. Alexander of Kentucky — the latter a Scotch nobleman, who purchased the 
'Voodburn estate of 3,000 acres, and used his annual income of $80,000.00 to establish 
.;nd maintain a model American herd of Shorthorn'. 



116 



SHORTHORNS OR DURHAMS. 




SIIOIJTIIOUNS on DUUHAMS. 



11' 




118 SHORTHORNS OR DUKIIAMS. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS : 

Widely varying in color, we find almost all markings except black, brown and 
brindled; in some families pure, deep, cherry red, in others snowy white, and between 
these two extremes are red and white in all grades as to size and arrangement of spots 
— red-roan, white-roan, roan and white, and speckled or "turkey" roan. In size the 
Shorthorn ranks among the largest of known breeds, bulls of mature age ranging from 
1900 to 2300 lbs.; and cows from 1200 to 1600 lbs., with occasional individuals con- 
siderably exceeding these figures. The general form is square, with well filled points, 
straight back, keeping the line even and well up at the rump; quarters deep and full, 
but not bulging; ribs well sprung, giving a wide back and rounded barrel; muzzle 
clear orange yellow (in some families, light drab); wide, open nostrils, and rather 
thin fleshed lips; eyes clear, bright, and surrounded by rings of orange colored flesh; 
horns clear or cream-flecked, short, and usually curving inward; ears thin and delicate, 
showing clear orange wax; neck short and fine in the cow — in the bull heavy and 
rising with age; back, level; loin, full; buttocks, wide apart; tail, small just above the 
brush; brisket, wide and full; and legs close, fine boned, and well proportioned to size 
of body. 

The Shorthorns are, emphatically, general purpose animals; although, perhaps, 
the majority of breeders persist in classing them with the purely beef breeds. When 
selected and bred for milk, they are exceedingly valuable as dairy stock, but it must be 
admitted that the general tendency to breed and feed for show has greatly increased 
their beef capacity at the expense of milking qualities. In some of the strains or fam- 
ilies — as notably the Princess or Duchess strains — the dairy features have been care- 
fully preserved, and even among the most pronounced beef families, an occasional 
excellent dairy cow will be found. 

The American Shorthorn Breeders' Association (J. H. Pickrell of Chicago, 
Secretary,) has never adopted any standard Scale of Points for the animal. Their 
adaptability seems not so great as that of some other breeds; they find their most con- 
genial home, and give best returns for investment, in latitudes of the more central 
and Northern United States. In the Southern States — comprising what is known 
as the "fever belt" — they have not proven easy to acclimate, averaging a high per- 
centage of mortality when brought into this region. Good animals, old enough for 
service, and recorded in the American Herd Book, can be obtained at from $100.00 
to $200.00 of any responsible breeder. 

The individuals so well represented by our illustrations, need no introduction to 
any one familiar with Shorthorns. They are representative animals of the strains to 
which they belong, and their breeders are men of unquestioned integrity. Mr. Scott 
— the owner of Prince William — in a recent letter to the author, gives a good natured 
thrust at those southern cattlemen who have persistently bred inferior cattle. He says 
(referring to the engraving of Prince William): 

" Hope it will fill the expectations of your readers, and teach the people of the Southern States 
what cattle ought to look like, and stimulate them to a better effort." 

We should be pleased to have Mr. Scott visit the Texas State Fair and inspect 
the large exhibit of Texas-bred stock of Shorthorn and other breeds. He will find 



SIIOKTIIOKNS oil Dimi A.MS. 



iiy 




120 SHORTHORNS OR DURHAMS RED-POLLED CATTLE. 

that Western breeders no longer have a monopoly in the fine stock business, and that 
many herds in the South compare very favorably with the best to which he is accus- 
tomed — not even excepting his own magnificent bull, Prince William. 

(We should, perhaps, chronicle the fact that there is also a polled variety of 
Durham, which the dehorning mania is strongly stimulating — the two varieties seem 
to be the same in all respects save horns.) 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 



RED-POLLED CATTLE. 

The Red-Polls, while tracing their history well back into the last century, have 
onlv recently attracted any considerable attention. Their origin is somewhat clouded in 
obscurity. Suffolk County, England, had from very early times a breed of polled 
cattle, and it is more than probable that this Suffolk breed had much to do with 
moulding the type of, and dehorning, the Norfolk breed, which was the first to attract 
attention from outside parties. From their general resemblance to the Devons (ex- 
cepting horns) we would look for a common ancestry somewhere in the early history 
of the breeds. Marshall, in his Rural Economy of Norfolk, states that the breed of 
Norfolk, about 1780, was a " Herefordshire breed in miniature," and that the color 
was "blood-red, with a white or mottled face." He further traces the changes of the 
breed, by crosses with Suffolk bulls, stating in substance, that size was increased and 
form improved. To trace the origin further, it would be necessary to go back of the 
old polled Suffolk breed, and bring up the question as to how the various breeds of 
hornless cattle were established in their peculiar feature. We need only say in this 
connection that polled animals were found in most portions of the British Island from 
time immemorial. According to Youatt, there seem to have been two distinct breeds 
of aboriginal cattle, occupying the central and northern portions of the British Island ; 
one of these had medium horns, while the other had none; from the first were prob- 
ably produced the Devons, Herefords, Sussex and West Highland cattle; while as a 
continuation of the second, we have now the Galloways, Angus and Suffolk and 
Norfolk Reds — the latter now collectively called Red-Polls. 

Improvement of the breed has been steadily carried forward — the Suffolks dehorn- 
ing, while the Norfolks were firmly fixing the blood red color mentioned by Marshall 
— and both breeds coming gradually nearer a common standard, until about the middle 
of the present century, breeders from both counties began to meet in honest compe- 
tition, and select their breeding animals with reference to perpetuating the red 
color and the hornless trait. In 1874, Mr. H. F. Euren, of Norwich, succeeded in 
establishing the English Red-Polled Herd Book, and through the stimulus thus 
applied, these cattle have since been making rapid strides toward perfection. In 1883, 
the American Red-Polled Cattle Society ( J. C. Murray, of Maquoketa, Iowa, Sec- 



REI)-rOLI,EI) CATTLE. 



121 




122 RED-POLLED CATTLE. 

retaiy,) was organized, and two volumes of the Herd Book have aheady appeared. 
The first importation was made in 1873 by G. F. Taber, Patterson, N. Y., since which 
time many have been brought in, and more bred, until we have in the United States 
at present writing some 800 or 900 head. 

DESCRIl'TION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color, a deep rich red, with only the brush of the tail white, occasionally white 
on the udder in cows, but this, while not regarded as an absolute disqualification, is 
not favored. Size, above medium, mature bulls weighing from 1700 to 2100 lbs., and 
cows from 1100 to 1400 lbs. The head is neat, with a tuft of hair curling over 
the narrow frontal points, and a light colored, clear cut muzzle. The neck is clean 
and fine, with little dewlap; ribs springing — not broadly arched — but filling the 
demand for rounded outline of barrel; legs clean, fine and short. In the cow the 
udder should be large, but not meaty — when empty it should hang in creases or folds; 
milk veins should be prominent and knotted or puffed. 

It must be confessed, that most of the modern breeders of Red-Polls have been 
too intent on securing size and beauty of contour to preserve, as carefully as they 
should, the really valuable dairy qualities of the breed. If a change be not made in 
this direction, we shall soon be compelled to say of them, as we might now say of the 
Shorthorns — originally excellent dairy stock, but greatly injured by the pernicious 
custom of feeding highly for the show ring. 

Red-Polls are, in general appearance, hornless Devons (see also illustrations) and 
they are bred and advertised as general purpose cattle. They are claimed, and we 
think fairly, to be the rivals of the Shorthorns for general use in the western United 
States. As to their adaptability in the fever belt of the South, we cannot speak to a 
certainty, from the fact of there having been so few importations to this region. They 
are quiet, good feeders, easy to handle and ship, and — as all must admit — attractive in 
color and form. If the Red-Polls are carefully bred, we may expect to see them 
grow rapidly in public favor, and secure on their merits high rank as a combined milk 
and beef breed. 

In view of the present dehorning craze — and believing it too early to express a 
settled opinion as to the utility of the practice^we may be pardoned for saying, that 
among the bulls of the established polled breeds now in America, the advocates of 
dehorning will certainly find more formidable rivals than have hitherto appeared in 
print. 



RED-POLLED CATTLE. 



123 



f'^S 




124 DEVONS. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 



DEVONS. 

Lying south of the Bristol Channel, on the Map of England, may be found the 
county or shire of Devon; much of its physical geography, as also that of the county 
adjoining it on the west, Cornwall, presents characteristics strikingly similar to that of 
Wales — indeed the people of these lower western counties weie as safe from Roman 
incursions behind the vast forests which covered the alluvial deposits of lower England 
as were the people of Wales in their rugged mountain fastnesses. As a result of this 
immunity from invasion, the wild or "White Forest" bree'd of cattle described by 
Low increased greatly in numbers, and, in the counties named, became more or less 
subject to partial domestication. 

In Wales, we have at present, the North Wales and Pembroke breeds as 
undoubted descendants of these wild cattle; and in the shire of Devon, occupying 
more especially its northern slope, has existed for generations the ancestry of the 
Devon breed— familiarly known in England as the "North Devons" to distinguish 
them, from the cattle occupying the low lands of Devon and the counties to the east. 
That the breed is of remarkably pure descent is attested by the wonderful impressive- 
ness in marking offspring. Surely no breed of modern improved cattle has a better 
claim to be called aboriginal than this. As their merits became known, they were 
gradually distributed to other and more northern counties, and the demand thus found 
to exist induced a more systematic effort toward improvement. Within the present 
century their size has been increased, beef capacity improved, and milking qualities 
especially advanced. The Earl of Leicester was among the most noted of early 
English breeders, followed by Lord Somerville and Lord Western, who were not 
only breeders but did much, also, to improve the quality of the animals bred. 

Their introduction to America dates from a very early period — a few head of 
what were undoubtedly Devons being brought over in the ship Charity (1623) for a 
Mr. Winslow of Massachusetts; in 1817, however, probably the first authentic impor- 
tation of pure bred improved Devons was made by a Mr. Patterson of Baltimore, 
direct from the herd of the Earl of Leicester (at that time Mr. Coke of Holkham). 
The next year (1818) a few were imported to Long Island from Mr. Coke's herd. 
Other importations were made from time to time, notably in 1836, by Mr. Vernon of 
New York State, and in 1853 by L. G. Morris also of New York. Since that time, 
the Devons have been widely distributed throughout the United States, and have 
taken a settled place among the popular breeds of the country. 

DESCRIPTION OF MODERN IMPROVED DEVON: 

Color, a rich, deep red throughout, except a central tuft of long white hair in the 



125 




126 DEV'ONS. 

brush of the tail, and a white spot on the udder in cows, and about the purse in 
bulls. Upper line almost perfectly straight from the head to the tail; in the bull, the 
neck is of course somewhat arched above this level. The head is neat and trim, 
rather long in the cow but short and masculine in the bull, and well pointed to a bright 
flesh colored muzzle; eyes prominent, bright, wide apart, and encircled by ring of 
flesh-colored skin ; horns rather long, slender, curving outward, forward and upward, 
waxy clear at base, and tapering to almost needle-like points of darker shade. The 
ear is sprightly; neck small at head, without dewlap, and full and broad at the should- 
ers; forequarters wide apart, showing good lung power, and slanting well back, a 
feature in strict keeping with their well-known activity. The barrel is round and 
close-muscled; loins even; hips square; rump smooth; taillong, slender, and invariably 
tipped with white; flank, low cut; brisket deep, and legs short, straight and clean 
fleshed. We believe the above to be a just and fair description of the breed as now 
known in the United States, and to show the improvement which has taken place, we 
quote the following from Low's Domestic Animals of Great Britain (previously 
quoted), published 1842: 

"Although the Devon ox presents a symmetry of parts which pleases the eye, yet his form is 
not precisely what the breeder seeks for in an animal destined to fatten quickly and arrive at great 
weight. His neck is too long, his chest too narrow, his sides are too flat, his limbs are too long in 
roportion to his tcdy ; or, in other words, his body is too small in proportion to his height. The 
Devon ox is a kindly enough feeder, but he requires good pasture, and a somewhat favorable climate, 
and could barely subsist on food which would suffice to fatten some of the hardier mountain breeds 
of nearly his own size." 

The following scale of points adopted by the American Devon Cattle Club (F. 
W. Reed of Zanesville, Ohio, Secretar}'), is now in general use: 

cows. BULLS. 

8 Head 10 

Cheek 2 

4 Neck 4 

4 Shoulder- 6 

8 Chest 10 

S Ribs 10 

IC) Back 20 

8 Hind Quarters 12 

20 Udder 

2 Tail 2 

4 Legs 4 

8 Skin 8 

2 Size 4 

8 General appearance 8 

100 Perfection 100 

CHARACTERISTICS : 

Probably the most prominent trait of the Devon is his sprightly energy. In the 
early days of the present century, when the feitile prairies of the Great West held 



DEVONS. 127 

their virgin soil unbroken, the farmers of New England found abundant exercise in 
removing the stones, stumps and saw logs with which their land was covered. For 
this purpose oxen were employed almost exclusively, and the grades from those early 
imported Devons were eagerly sought. The writer has in mind an amusing incident 
related by his father concerning a yoke of grade Devon steers, which, for two good 
miles, in response to the fun-loving spirit of their youthful driver, succeeded in keep- 
ing behind them a span of fine carriage horses belonging to a neighbor, and driven by 
the neighbor's son. 

As work oxen, the Devons have no superior in the world; they lack, perhaps, the 
weight necessary to move enormous loads, but their remarkable quickness, combined 
with an intelligent observance of the driver's will, make them invaluable for work of 
certain kinds. For beef, little recommendation is needed; the improvement of the 
breed has, with many breeders, been almost entirely in this direction. Allen, in his 
valuable treatise on American Cattle (previously quoted), after speaking of the excel- 
lent milk qualities of the cows in a herd of Devons owned by him, says: 

" It is bvit fair to say, however, that after we commenced crossing our cows with bulls of later 
importation, some 15 years after the commencement of the herd, the large milkers were not so 
numerous, although the cattle from these crosses were somewhat finer. The bulls we used were 
apparently bred from stocks highly improved with an effort more to develop their feeding properties 
than for the dairy." 

We are glad to note that not all of our Devon breeders have followed these points 
so closely as to lose sight of the capabilities of the breed for dairy purposes; and, in 
this connection, quote the following from the report of Wm. Brown, Professor of 
Agriculture in the Ontario (Canada) Agricultural College, for ISSC): 

" Of this distinctly intermediate class of cattle (Devons), milk and beef combination, we have 




DEVON COW, DAMSEL, 3749. 

Property of Edward D. Hicks, Xushvillc. Tenn. 



128 DEVONS — LONGHORNS. 

to repeat the observation that none can make better calves, few so content and hardv, and but one 
richer in dairy product. The Devon has not held the world's patronage because of undersize, and 
possiblv also, of moderation in maturing and milk quantity, but it is difficult to conceive of a more 
desirable cow on upland rangy pastures for the butter factory." 

The Devons are probably as nearly general purpose animals as may be found 
among the present known breeds: in size they are medium — bulls when matured 
weighing from 1200 to 1000 lbs., and cows from 900 to 1100 lbs. One thing more 
■we must notice — their introduction into the Southern States. In Mr. Allen's work, the 
author intimates that the Devon acclimates unusually well in the South. We cannot 
agree with him; information from various portions of the South, has shown a high 
proportion of mortality among Devons brought from the North, only one breed — 
Shorthorns — showing a greater average percent, of loss. To counterbalance this, 
however, it is a well-known fact that the Devons when acclimated will thrive and 
keep in good condition on scant pasture where many other improved breeds would 
starve to death. This high percent, of mortality in acclimating Devons, may be due 
to the unnatural forcing which the breed has undergone of late years in the hands of 
unskillful breeders, as it is well-known among successful importers of northern cattle, 
that the introduction of overfed or pampered stock from the North is apt to result 
fatally to both profits and cattle. 

There are now a goodly numlier of fine herds of Devons in the South, ?,nd their 
certain increase, both in numbers and favor, is fast becoming an accomplished fact. 



CHAPTER XXX. 



LONGHORNS. 



These cattle, so little known at present in the United States, have their origin in 
the district of Craven, England; probably the Irish Longhorns, mentioned by Youatt, 
■were identical with the English breed, and for many years were bred in parallel lines. 

When Bakewell (see also Leicester sheep) took hold of the breed, he found it 
already somewhat improved, but there can be no doubt that a large proportion of 
-svhatever merit or popularity the English Longhorns once possessed was due to his 
•wonderful skill as a breeder. His methods were kept secret, and his ability considered 
•extraordinary; but, to state the case plainly, we have no doubt that many of our 
modern improvers and breeders possess just as much ability, and are producing just 
as great results. 

Concerning their importation to America, we can say little. A few head were 
imported into Kentucky as early as 1817, but they were crossed with the Shorthorns 
and soon lost sight of. We know of but one other importation, although several 
are said to have been made at different times. In 1872 or 3, the writer attended 
the Iowa State Fair, then held at Cedar Rapids, in Linn County; there was exhibited 
a herd of some four or five cows and a bull of the genuine English Longhorns; they 



LONGIIORN; 



129 



■= z 



is 



3Q CO 



E ■'-54 




130 LONGHORNS NORMANDIE CATTLE. 

were marked somewhat similar to the modern Hereford, with white faces and lined 
backs and bellies; their sides, however, were of a dun or light red, almost a yellow, 
and on one or two individuals patches of brindle and roan were visible. We do not 
remember the name of the exhibitor, nor have we since been able to locate the herd. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

We describe as we remember them, and find that our observations agree with the 
description given by Allen (American Cattle). Size equal to Shorthorn or Here- 
ford; color dun or yellowish fawn, sometimes red, brindled or roan, with frequently 
white faces and white lines on back and belly. Their distinguishing feature lies in the 
peculiar horns, which are long, ungraceful, curving forward and downward, some- 
times crossing under the jaws, and frequently requiring amputation to jjrevent a 
threatened puncture of the muzzle. 

They were claimed to be general purpose animals, but with especial tendency 
to milk, and were exhibited as would-be rivals of the Shorthorns — at that time in 
the height of popular favor. Their general appearance was very like the description 
given of the earlier unimproved Herefords, and this with the similarity in their mark- 
ings, would lead us to suppose, that they may have originally sprung from the same 
channel. 

Our illustration was re-engraved by permission expressly for this purpose, from 
a lithograph made for the Department of State, and was originally from a photograph. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 



NORMANDIE CATTLE. 

From the report of United States Consul Williams, of Rouen, we clip the 
following : 

"The origin of the Norman breed seems unknown; in fact, has never been traced. It is con- 
sidered that the nature of the soil has produced the breed. It seems to have changed very little in 
the last century and is very remarkable. The center of production of this fine breed is comprised in 
the departments of Eure, Manche, Calvados and Orne." 

The above, while not very definite information, is the best we have been able 
to obtain regarding the origin of Normandie cattle. As the breed grows in favor, 
doubtless some one will be encouraged to more extended — and, we trust, more suc- 
cessful — search for their early history. 

Improvement has been slow but constant, and has been brought about by care 
in selection and management. Attempts to improve the breed have been made by 
crossing with Shorthorn or Durham blood, resulting — as might be expected — in a 
more rounded contour, but decreasing at the same time the milking value and fixed- 
ness of type: in fact, producing that most unreliable of all animals for breeding pur- 



NORMANDIE CATTLE. 



I 1^1 




132 



XORMAXDIE CATTLE. 



--a » -^ . 'Iv^'j 'i^- - 




XOUMAXDIE CATTLE NOKTII WALES BLACK CATTLK. 133 

poses — a cross. Ft)r liccf thu Noniiandic is uiidoiihtudU inipio\ cd li\ tlic use of 
bulls of any of our best beef breeds; but when we say this, we li:i\e neither added 
to the claims of one, nor detracted from the merits of the other. 

Importations to the United States have been few, and only durinj;^ recent years. 
The first of which we have any knowledge was made in 1885, by Mr. J. C. Duncan, 
of Normal, 111. Regarding; this importation, Mr. Levi Dillon writes under date 
August 29th, 1887: 

"* * * * He [Mr. Duncan] imported from France two vears ago, one Normandie 
bull and one Normandie cow; tliey are registered, botli recorded in France. Tliej are brindle in 
color, and are noted for their great milking qualities as well as for their beef qualities. Thev are 
said to be the equal of the Jerseys as milkers, and ihe equal of the Shorthorns as beef cattle. I am 
not a cattle man, but our leading cattle men here speak highly of these cattle. * * * * 
Combining, as they do, the good qualities of the Jersey and the yhorthorn, I believe they are the 
coming cattle of this country." 

Another small importation was made to New York Citv in ISSC), and one to 
Chicopee, Mass., in 1887. Probably others have been made of which we are not 
aware. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color, brown, roan and red or spotted — varying considerablv as to marking, but 
never failing to preserve the brown stripes peculiar to the breed, which have earned 
for them the term " brindled." The head is long and coarse, with large mouth — fit 
emblem of an enormous appetite. The horn is irregular, commonh- twisted and 
curved toward the forehead ; the body long, and deep at the flank, with rather narrow 
hind parts, showing an escutcheon well marked for milk. The legs are short and the 
skin rather thick and heavy. 

The Normandie cow is classed as a combined milk and beef animal, with ten- 
dency more towards milking excellence, especially in the Cotentine strain of Nor- 
mandies. In size they rank with the large breeds, mature bulls weighing from 1800 
to 2200 lbs., cows from 1100 to 1500 lbs. The illustrations were re-engraved by 
permission from lithographs made for the Department of State, and were originally 
from photographs taken in France. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 



NORTH WALES BLACK CATTLE. 

( ANGLESEA. ) 

As a separate and distinct breed, this race of cattle has received attention only of 
late j'ears. Descended from the same original stock (^the wild Forest breed of Wales 
and West England) as are the Pembrokes or Castle Martins of South Wales, and 
partaking largely of the same general appearance, they yet show decidedh" different 
characteristics, which, by right, stamp them as a separate breed. 



134 



NORTH WALES BLACK CATTLE. 







NOKTir \VAi.i;s m.ACK CAiri 



135 




136 NORTH WALES BLACK CATTLE. 

Of the gentlemen in Wales who have been so actively advancing the interests of 
Anglesea cattle, we can make only brief mention — they well deserve more extended 
notice. Col. Henry Piatt, of Gorddinogg, Bangor; Lord Harlech of Glyn Hall, 
Talsarnau; R. B. Smith, Esq., of Tjnewydd, Bangor, and the Editor and Honor- 
ary Secretary (now deceased) of the Association, Wm. A. Dew, have been among 
the most active workers. 

Only one importation of which we are aware, has been made to America. In 
1885, Mr. T- B. Warren, of Larchwood, la., imported 13 head for the Larchwood 
Estate. Answering our inquiries, under date Sept. 12th, 1887, this gentleman says: 

" We have had our herd for the last 18 months, and are prepared to say, that they are a very 
large breed, quite as large as the Shorthorns, and much hardier. They are excellent millters, are 
very docile and thrifty. Last winter most of our cows ran out until the middle of January, and were 
at that time in much better condition than the natives." f( 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color, black, with, occasionally, white about the udder in cows and the scrotum 
in bulls: all other spots of white while not necessarily a mark of impurity, are dis- 
couraged, and \\il] soon no doubt be known only as an occasional reversion. The 
hair is long, fine and wavv; head rather large; neck medium; quarters full, and 
general outline approaching very nearly that of the Devons. In size they are classed 
with the larger breeds, mature bulls weighing from 1800 to 2200 lbs., and cows from 
1100 to 1500 lbs. The Earl of Cawdor, whose answer is published in a report to the 
Department of State, goes still higher and places the " live weight of the bulls 24 
cwt.; oxen, 22 cwt.; cows, 18 cwt." The horns of the North Wales cattle are 
middle sized, long, and yellowish with darker tips; the legs are short, and waste por- 
tions of the body generally are reduced to a low percentage. Their dairy qualities 
on an average are counted good — an ordinary herd yielding annually from 125 to 150 
pounds of butter to the cow; and occasional herds are found which considerably 
exceed these figures. 

The partisans of the breed claim for them a I'ank equal to the highest as a com- 
bined milk and beef breed; we are willing to file the claim, and shall give them 
ample time to prove it. The establishment of the North Wales Black Cattle Herd 
Book — the first volume of which appeared in 1883, and the second volume in 1886 — 
will doubtless do much toward improxing and keeping pure this really valuable breed 
of stock. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 
PEMBROKE CATTLE. 

("CASTLE MARTINS," OR BLACK CATTLE OF SOUTH W.\LES.) 

Although there are no Pembrokes in the United States at present writing, we 
have thought best to insert the chapter on account of the close relationship between 
this breed and the Black Cattle of North Wales — discussed in the preceding chapter. 



I'lCMHUoKic LArri.K 11 i;ui;i()iii>s. 187 

liitil within a score of v<-'ars, the l'cml)roke hreeci has included all of the bhick 
mountain cattle of Wales. From the report of the Hon. .Stephen 15. Packard, United 
States Consul at Liverpool, we quote: 

"There are two breeds of cattle in Wales. The North Wales breed [see Nortli Wales Black 
Cattle] is found in greatest perfection in Angleseaand Caernarvonshire. The South Wales breed was 
called "Castle Martin," and the animals are very big, large boned and coarse, but they are not in 
favor in the north of the Principality. * * * * Both breeds are black, producing 

occasionally specimens dun colored and red. Characteristic points require that bulls should have 
white testicles and the cows white udders."' 

Rejj^ardinfj their orii^in it is onlv necessary to sa\ , that the\' are sujjposed to he 
directly descended from the Has primigeiiius^ and are hence allied to the \\ ild '• For- 
est" breed — still preseryetl in Chillingham Park, the I)e\ nns, and still mure closely 
to their new riyals, the Ulack Cattle of North Wales. 

DKSCKIPTION .\M) C II A H .VCTERISTICS : 

Color, hlack, with tlie white marks already mentioned. As compared with the 
Xorth Wales breed, they haye shorter hair, lighter hind parts, narrower shoulders, 
and coarser bones. The best specimens of each breed would bear a really close inspec- 
tion to decide between them on merit alone; but it is now full\ admitted that a much 
larger number of the North Wales cattle answer the retiuirements of an imjjroxed 
modern breed. 

The particular characteristics claimed for the Pembrokes, are hardiness, dairy 
qualities and aptitude to range well. They cannot be said to bear forced feeding, but 
for rough grazing they would doubtless find much fa\or upon our \vestern ranges. 
As to their dairy qualities we confess to some degree of scepticism ; it does not seem 
reasonable that a breed reared under the rough " no care " conditions — which their 
breeders are careful to claim — can haye any very great tendency to large yields of 
milk. Their flesh is said to be as good as any, and the oxen are docile, easily trained, 
and make strong active teams. 

The first volume of the Herd Book appeared in 1874, and since that time inipi(i\e- 
ment of the lireed has taken a more decided and systematic turn. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 



HEREFORDS. 

There is much to be said of the Hereford cattle, as they existed in Herefordshire, 
and adjoining counties, England; and also of the cattle of Wales. Previous to the 
time of Tomkins, the cattle of these districts had a reputation for the best of quality, 
and were of uniform character — varying in size according to elevation and fertility of 
the range. It was from cattle of this uniform character that the Hereford breed had 
its origin. 



138 HEREFORDS. 

The more reliable records place Mr. Benj. Tomkins as the improver, if not the 
founder, of the breed. Mr. Tomkins was born in 1745, at the Court House Canon 
Pyon, and began farming at Black Hall, King's Pyon, 1766 — then in his 21st year; 
he afterward lived at Wellington and then at Brookhaven, King's Pyon, where he 
died in 1815. His herd was sold in 1S19, and brought (for breeding stock) as 
follows: 

15 cows $11,245.00— an average of $ 750.00 



'S 2-year old heifer'. 1,415 .00 

2 1-year " .... 780.00 

4 bulls 5,355.00 

2 bull calves 1,810.00 



460.00 
. 390.00 
. 1335.00 
. 905.00 

.$ 792.00 



Total, 26 animals $20,605.00 

Mr. Tomkins came from a line of ancestors who were prominent men of the 
county of Hereford as cattle breeders, and many of them prominent men of the nation. 
He pursued a steadily systematic course in his breeding, and stands, undoubtedly, as 
regards the history of the improvement of Hereford cattle in the west of England, 
as do the Colling Bros, in improvement of Shorthorn or Durham cattle in the east. 
Other noted breeders may be mentioned, among them such men as Yarmouth, Walker, 
Hoskyns, Penn, Jellicoe, Smith, Lord Talbot, Price, Sherif and others; but the blood 
of Tomkins' cattle was always found strongly diffused throughout their herds — as may 
be seen by consulting the Herd Book records. 

To show the recognized value of the Hereford breed for beef at that early day, 
we give the following prices of cattle sold by Mr. Westcar, and obtained from his 
books by Mr. Smythies of Marlow. The figures represent 20 Hereford oxen, selected 
from the entire record as each bringing a figure upwards of £100. Sales of 20 oxen 
from 1799 to 1811 — the average price of which was i"106 6s. or $530.00 each: 

1779 Dec. 16th 2 oxen $200.00 

1800 Dec. 4th 1 " 147.00 

1800 Dec. 13th 1 ' 100.00 

1801 Nov. 2(')th 6 " 630.00 

1802 Nov. 26th 1 " 100.00 

...I " 126.00 

...2 " 200.00 

...1 " 100.00 

. ..1 " 105.00 

...1 " ' 105.00 

...1 " 105.00 

...1 " 100.00 

1811 Nov. 28th ] " 105.00 

The Smithfield Club at London, Eng., held its first cattle show in 1799. The 
winner of the first prize was a Hereford ox, shown by Mr. Westcar, bred by Mr. 
Tull}', Huntington Court, Hereford, and for the first twenty years of this show 
Herefords won the first or champion prize for the best ox or steer exhibited. During 



1802 


Nov. 


30th 


1802 


Dec. 


4th 


1803 


Dec. 


4ih 


1803 


Dec. 


19th 


1803 


Dec. 


29th 


1804 


Dec. 


5th 


1805 


Dec. 


4th 



HEREFORDS. 



139 




140 HEREFORDS. 

the years from about 1820 to 1834, there was a very warm contest carried on between 
the respective breeders of Herefords and Shorthorns as to the merits of the two breeds 
— a condition of things which has been kept up with more or less warmth ever since. 
(We cannot see why there should be such violent temper displayed by the respective 
champions of these two popular breeds. Each has a certain definite place in our 
midst, and it is no secret that any successful breeder is quite likely to regard his own 
success as a reflection of superior merit in the breed he handles. " Live and let live " 
is a pretty good motto, which both breeders of Herefords and Shorthorns would do 
well to heed.) 

Mr. Geo. T. Turner, writing to the National Live Stock Journal of Chicago, in 
1880, says: 

"The Hereford bullock in London is quite a season animal, and comes only as a grass beast in 
the late summer and autumn, when it tops the market," 

And, we might add, the Hereford steer has held his own in this respect for more than 
100 years. 

The Hereford Herd Book was first published in 1846 by Mr. T. C. Eyton — the 
second volume appearing in 1853. At this time, the markings of the breed were not 
as uniform as now, and Mr. Eyton classed them according to color as Mottle Faced, 
White Faced, Gray and Light Gray. In his preface to the second volume, Mr. Eyton 
says, that many breeders neglected to forward any account of their stock or pedigrees 
of their bulls, and that it is not his intention "to continue the work unless the breeders 
generally come forward to assist me more than they have done to the present time. I 
would willingly give my own time and trouble if I thought all would join in working 
out the truth, and afford the work sufficient patronage to cover its expenses." While 
some few of the breeders were willing to aid in the support of the work, the interest 
was not general enough to induce Mr. Eyton to continue his labors. In 1856, Mr. W. 
Styles Powell purchased the copyright, and published the first part of Volume III, 
containing 286 pedigrees. July 15th, 1857, a letter to the Herefordshire Agricultural 
Society was read, from Mr. Underwood, solicitor to Rev. W. Powell — uncle to W. S. 
Powell — stating that the cost of the Herd Book to his late nephew was j£"30; yet he 
was willing to place the work as it then stood in the hands of any gentleman recom- 
mended by the society on payment of £Vd. Mr. Powell's offer was accepted, and 
Mr. Thos. Duckham was requested to carry on the publication of the Herd Book. 
The conditions were that he should publish it annually, and that an entrance fee of 
one shilling (25 cts.) should be paid for each head of stock entered. Mr. Duckham 
proceeded to revise and reprint the portion of Volume III, adding a second part for 
bulls and a third part for cows with their produce; and in September, 1858, the 
revised volume was issued. In 1859 Volume IV appeared, with a list of 247 sub- 
scribers; and Volume V followed in 1862 with a list of 317. Mr. Duckham continued 
the work on his own responsibility until Volume IX was issued, when — March 5th, 
1878 — the Hereford Herd Book Society was formed and the Society purchased the 
copyright, becoming responsible for its publication through an editing committee, of 
which Mr. Duckham was an active and influential member until his resignation which 
occurred about two years ago. Volume XVII of the Herd Book was issued last 
year (1887). 



UliHEI'OKDS. 



141 




142 HEREFORDS. 

While Mr. Duckham was editor and publisher, he gave a large portion of his 
time to advancement of Hereford interests; and the breeders of England and America 
owe much to him for the records and data that have been preserved to the breed. 

In Scotland, Ireland, Australia, South America, and the Island of Jamaica, Here- 
ford cattle are now well-known, and rank second to none in public favor for early 
and economic production of beef. 

IMPORTATION TO, AND BREEDING IN, THE UNITED STATES: 

The Hon. Henry Clay brought two bulls and two heifers to this country in 1817; 
one bull and the two heifers reached Kentucky and contributed to the improvement of 
beef cattle in that state. In 1824 Admiral Coffin brought to Massachusetts the Here- 
ford bull Sir Isaac. The bull was owned for several years by Isaac C. Bates of 
Northampton, Mass., and was used on the cows in that vicinity with the uniform tes- 
timony that for all purposes combined, his produce formed the best stock ever kept in 
that neighborhood. In 1839-40 a large number of Hereford cattle were imported by 
Mr. William Sotham of Albany, N. Y. They met with a good deal of favor, and 
were soon well distributed throughout the northeast portion of the United States. In 
1851 Messrs. John Humphries and Thos. Ashton brought to Ohio two bulls and two 
heifers; and since 1879 there have been many importations, and some very large ones. 
They have gone into all parts of the country, and have uniformly become very popu- 
lar with all who have handled them. 

C. R. Thomas of Independence, Mo., is the present Secretary of the American 
Hereford Breeders' Association. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

In color the Hereford is a red of varying shade, generally dark with clear white 
face, white line — extending from head to tail in some specimens, in others abbreviated 
to merely a white mane, or what is even more fashionable at present, an oblong spot 
above and between the shoulders — white belly, white brush and white feet. The 
horns are medium to long, white, waxy and generally turning outward, forward and 
sometimes downward. In form they are blocky, square built, with rather short legs 
and all meat points full and rounded ; the tail drops squarely from rumps even and 
high; the quarters are heavy, muscular and low down on the hocks; the ribs well 
sprung, but rounded neatly to a long, deep barrel; the head and neck both short and 
close fleshed ; in fact the whole make-up of the animal indicates strongly the marked 
characteristic of the breed — beef. 

The Hereford is emphatically a beef or range animal, and while good milkers 
are occasionally met with among the cows, most of them do little more than raise 
wonderfully vigorous calves. The "white faces" have found considerable favor on 
the great cattle ranges of the Panhandle of Texas. In acclimating, they are well 
located as standing even with the Aberdeen-Angus, — about third on the list, — 
Holstein-Friesians and Galloways ranking first and second respectively. They are 
hardy, prepotent to a strong degree, and are classed with the largest of modern breeds, 
mature bulls weighing from 1900 to 2300 lbs., and cows from 1200 to 1600 lbs., with 
occasional animals exceeding these weights. 



IIKlJIilOltDS. 



148 




144 HEREFORDS— GALLOWAYS. 

Our illustrations faithfully represent animals that have contributed very largely 
to the success of the Hereford breed in America. Sir Charles, 543, was first secured 
about 1871 to head the since celebrated herd of Mr. T. L. Miller, Beecher, 111.; and 
not long after, Mr. Miller imported the cow Dolly Varden and her calf Success. 

Probably no other man in America has done so much to advance the interests of 
Hereford cattle as T. L. Miller. His latest great undertaking to push the white faces 
on irrigated lands in Arizona, for shipment by train loads to the large markets of the 
country, is an enterprise which, if successful, will rank as almost phenomenal; and 
that it will be successful is almost assured by the simple fact that Mr. Miller has 
undertaken it. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 



GALLOWAYS. 

These cattle derive their name from the province of Galloway, lying in the 
southwest portion of Scotland, to which locality they trace a long line of polled ances- 
try. The breed is among the oldest, authentic history carrying it back to the begin- 
ning of the Kith Century, and tradition asserting that their was never a time when 
Galloway cattle did not exist in their native province; moreover, the main distinguish- 
ing points of the breed were the same then as now, subject only to progressive change 
from careful selection and management. 

Improvement in the Galloway breed was largely stimulated by the extensive pur- 
chases of Scotch polled cattle by the English soon after the union of England and 
Scotland. The Scotch breeders knowing that the cattle sold were to travel on foot 
throughout the greater part of England, vied with each other in attempting to furnish 
the best animals. It is worthy of note that the improvement of the Galloway has 
been effected almost entirely by skillful selection, judicious feeding and careful man- 
agement — a fact which accounts, in fixedness of breeding, for their present remarkable 
prepotency. 

Although an old breed, the records date only from recent time, — all pedigrees 
and papers relating to the breed having been destroyed by fire at Edinburgh in 1851. 
From 1851 to 1878, they were recorded with the Angus and other polled stock in the 
Polled Herd Book; in 1878 Galloway breeders published separately the first volume 
of the Galloway Herd Book of Great Britain, and in 1883 appeared the first volume 
of the North American Galloway Herd Book — the register now used for American- 
bred Galloways. 

While black has always been the prevailing color, there were formerly many 
well bred individuals of other colors and one of the most apparent improvements, made 
by later breeders, has been to eliminate variety in color and reduce the breed to its 
present color standard, namely black — in winter with a brownish tinge. It must be 



AI.I.OWAVS. 



145 




146 GALLOWAYS. 

borne in mind, however, tliat this peculiarity still shows itself in an occasional rever- 
sion to dun or drab; and such animals, while inferior in selling value, are nevertheless 
as purely bred as the most sable of their kind. We have at this writing on the 
College Farm, a heifer — dropped in 1886, got by Admiral Good 1184, Am. G. H. B., 
out of Admiration 1186, Am. G. H. B, both black — which is a pure dun in color, but 
a typical Galloway in all other respects. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE GALLOWAY: 

No horns are admissible, not even scurs; they are emphatically a jDoUed or horn- 
less breed. The color should be black — in winter showing a brownish tinge from the 
fact that the long hairs turn brown at the extremities. The skin should be of medium 
thickness, but soft and pliable, and the hair long, soft and wavy, giving a silken shaggy 
appearance — with a soft thick coat of wool underneath. Coarse, straight, or closely 
curled hair is objectionable, especially when the mossy under-coat is wanting. The 
head should be short and wide between eyes, with full forehead and open nostrils; 
eyes large and prominent; ears medium sized — rather broad in proportion to length — 
pointing upward, fringed with long hair, and well provided, both inside and out, with 
a soft woolly covering; neck short, tapering finely in the cow, and becoming wonder- 
fully enlarged with age in the bull; quarters long, deep and fleshed well onto the leg; 
breast wide, brisket heavy, loin well filled and flank low. The body is round and 
long, back straight, tail thick, with a heavy brush, and legs short and very muscular. 
The Galloway, in brief, is a heavy bodied, short legged, hornless, black, beefy looking 
animal. No scale of points has yet been adopted for the breed. 

characteristics: 

The Gallowa\s arc mainlv a beef-producing cattle — their flesh finely marbled, 
sweet and juicy; in prcipcirtion of live weight, they dress remarkably well, averaging 
nearly 60 per cent., and frequently reaching as high as 65 or 66 per cent, of live 
weight. As range stock the\- have proven exceedingly \ aluable, being hardy, easily 
handled, close shippers, and ampl\- able to find their own food on any reasonable 
range. 

The late mania for dehorning, which we have mentioned, although advocated by 
breeders of horned cattle, must surely work to the advantage of all of the polled 
breeds, inasmuch as the average man will consider it much safer, more economical and 
much less cruel to remove the horns b\' using a naturalh- hornless bull. ( )ne of the 
prominent traits of (jalloway cattle is their prepotency when crossetl with other 
breeds — fully 80 per cent, of resulting offspring, being without horns. As to matur- 
ity, there is considerable difference of opinion, due, ^ve believe, to the fact that Gal- 
loways vary greatly in ages at which individual animals reach maturity ; as a rule we 
cannot say that they are early maturers — although perhaps comparing favorably with 
most of their ri\ als in this respect; neither do they as a rule attain so great weight as 
several of the other beef breeds — bulls weighing from 1700 to 2100 lbs., and cows 
from 1000 to 1400 ll>^., with occasional animals exceeding these figures. VVe believe 
there is truth in the following statement: Let a Gallo\va\- steer alone, and he will do 
what he can with credit to himself and profit to his owner; hut attempt to crowd him 



GALLOWAYS. 



147 








■if 

iSi, 



148 GALLOWAYS — AnERDEEN-ANGUS. 

for extra results, ami hcvoiul a certain point the forcing; process will not prove a 
financial success. 

In the dair\- little is claimed for the Galloway cows, by even their most ardent 
admirers; it is onlv fair to state, however, that aniono; them are foinid some very 
excellent milkers. The practice of allowing the calf to run with the cow and making 
the herd find both food and shelter on its own account, while it may have, and doubt- 
less has, increased the hardiness to a considerable extent, has certainly worked great 
injurv to whatever milking superiority the breed may have originally possessed. 

In the South, Galloways stand second on the list as to ease of acclimation; and 
this fact will doubtless tend to graduallv increase the nimiber of pure bred Gallo- 
\vav bulls annualU shipped to Texas ranges for improxemcnt of nati\e stock. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 



A B E R D E E X-A N G U S. 

( POLI.ED-ANGIS OK POLLED-ABERDEEX. ) 

As to the origin of this now well-known breed, little is definite beyond the com- 
monlv accepted belief that the two polled Scotch breeds — Galloway and Aberdeen- 
Angus — are descended from the polled variety of the original Forest breed. Of the 
long controversy, between Galloway and Angus breeders, regarding the merits of 
their respective breeds, we have nothing to say: by many the two breeds are con- 
sidered identical ; some of our best judges predict that at no great distant day, the 
Aberdeen-Angus and Galloway Associations will follow the example so lately set by 
the Holstein and the Dutch Friesian breeders, by combining forces to advance the 
interests of all concerned. 

We cannot say that we agree with such expression. While both breeds have 
undoubtedly descended from the same original stock, yet selection, feeding, care and 
sj-stematic breeding have changed the characteristics and appearance so greatly as to 
fully warrant the present recognized distinctions between them. As to what these 
differences are will be understood from a studv of the description and characteristics 
of the t\vo breeds — which see. 

Improvement of the Aberdeen-Angus was first begun in a systematic way about 
the opening of the present centurv. Probablv no man has contributed more to advance 
the merits of Angus cattle than Mr. Hugh Watson, of Keillor, Scotland. Mr. Wat- 
son began his herd in 1808 with 2 bulls and 14 cows — the "best and blackest" that 
could be found — and by continually breeding in and in, putting the " best to the best," 
without regard to relationship, and carefully weeding out all freaks or reversions, 
he established a reputation for his herd and for himself as a breeder, ^vhich the 
most successful of breeders might well envv. The earlv improvers brought to 
the work superior abilitv, practical experience and sound sense — following up the 



arkrdei:n-angus. 



14i) 




150 ABERDEEN-ANGUS. 

demand for an animal which should range well, and, at the same time, prove a kindly 
feeder, quick maturer and an animal of large size, they kept steadily at work until 
the foundatit)n of the Angus breed was thoroughly laid, tested and received. Among 
the later breeders of note, we may mention William McCombie, of Tillyfour. His 
herd was started about the year 1830 — just at the time when the pure bred Aberdeen- 
Angus was threatened with total extinction through the exceeding popularity of the 
Angus-Shorthorn crosses for feeding purposes. Mr. McCombie believed that the 
Angus breed was eminently worthy not only of preservation, but of improvement as 
well, and steadily directed his energies toward the accomplishment of this end. 

IMPORTATION TO THE UNITED STATES: 

Tlio first of which we have any record was made in 187i5 bv Mr. Grant, of Vic- 
toria, Kan.; this was followed in 1878 by an importation of five cows and a bull for 
Messrs. Anderson & Findlaj', of Lake Forest, 111., and the next year a few head were 
brought over by Mr. F. B. Redfield, of Batavia, X. Y. ; since that time importations 
have been numerous and breeding rapid, initil there are, at present writing, probably 
not less than 2500 to 3000 head of pure bred Aberdeen-Angus in the United States. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

^^'c can best distinguish them by a comparison with the close description of the 
Galloway already given: There are no horns. The color is pure shining black — 
without the brown tinge of the Galloway — and the hair is fine, smooth, short and 
close-lying. In this respect, alone, the Angus cattle show a greater nicety of breeding, 
and taken in connection with their size, illustrate perfecth", the aim of both early and 
modern improvers of the breed, namely: to produce an animal which could be forced 
with profit, attain large size, and attract attention by his neat and meaty appearance. 

In size they are considerably ahead of the Galloway, mature bulls ranging from 
1800 to 2200 lbs., and cows from 1100 to 1500 lbs.; the forehead is less inclined to 
fulness, the back broader; flanks deeper, and general form more nearlv filling the 
beef rectangle. 

To the ordinary observer, not interested financiall}- in either breed, the Aberdeen- 
Angus, would undoubtedly rank first from looks alone; to those who go further, and 
demand not onh- looks, but hardiness and other qualities combined, it is difficult to 
decide between them. From our own experience, and what we have gathered from 
others, the Aberdeen-Angus is the better animal to buy where feed is plentv and 
pasture luxuriant; but for the range, where the animal has to look out for himself, 
we would prefer the Gallowa}-. The fact already stated — that Galloways acclimate 
somewhat better than Angus in the southern fever belt — the latter standing next be- 
low the former — bears considerable weight with breeders in the great Southwest. 
To offset this, Angus cattle mature earlier, and attain greater size. Each breed claims 
preeminence in beef qualities, and we candidly confess our inability to see anv differ- 
ence between them on this point. As a milk cow, the Aberdeen- Angus gives an 
ample supply for her calf — no more is needed for the range. Either Angus or Gal- 
lowav bulls are excellent dehorners. 

The first volume of the American Aberdeen-Angus Herd Book was published 



AI!ERDEEN-A\Ol S. 



151 




152 ABEUDEEN-ANGUS — SUSSEX CATTLE. 

in 1886 — the two main requisites for record beiiit;: ( 1) The animal itself or its sire 
and dam must be recorded in the 8th or prior volumes of the Polled Aberdeen or 
Angus Herd Book of Scotland. (3) The animal must be the produce by registered 
sire of a cow that has produce in the 8th or prior volumes of the Polled Aberdeen 
or Angus Herd Book of Scotland. The illustrations of both Galloways and. Angus 
represent excellent specimens of their respective breeds, and will well repay a careful 
studv. 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 



S L' S S E X C A T T L E . 

This breed is closely allied to the Devon — indeed, some writers assert that it is 
follv to class them as separate breeds. We cannot think so: certainly their origin is 
found in the same stock, but this is also true of the Galloway and Aberdeen- Angus 
breeds. The early writers on the breeds of cattle in Great Britain certainly looked 
upon the Sussex as a breed well worthy a class by itself. Youatt and Martin, while 
acknowledging the ct)mmon origin of both Devon and Sussex cattle, yet speak of the 
Sussex ox as possessing not onlv the activity of the Devon, but the strength of the 
Hereford, " with the propensity to fatten, and beautiful fine grained flesh of both." 

The breed takes its name from the county or shire of Sussex, England, adjoin- 
ing Devonshire, and differing from it in contour, elevation and fertility of soil. As 
already mentioned, the Devons occupied the elevated slopes bordering the Severn; 
the Sussex cattle held the lower regions of rich luxuriant pasture farther east; and 
this fact alone — when we consider the long period of time involved — would naturally 
lead to a very supposable difference between the two breeds. 

Improvement of the Sussex has not been rapid, but rather marked by the slow, 
steady conservatism of their English breeders. In America they have obtained a 
foothold, and already claim a large share of favor from American stockmen. Mr. 
Overton Lea, the energetic and popular breeder of Mont Eagle, Tenn. (now Secre- 
tary of the i-ecently organized association) has done more toward pushing the Sussex 
to the front in the last five years, than all their breeders in England combined — and 
onlv because he has freely advertised, and fullv exhibited his cattle, courting inspec- 
tion at all times, and asking only an honest opinion as to their merits. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color, like the Devon, a rich dark red, with white brush to the tail ; in size they 
excel the Devon considerably, mature bulls weighing from 1700 to 2000 lbs., and cows 
from 1,100 to 1,400 lbs. Comparing further with the Devon, we may say: The 
head is coarser with thicker horns ; neck heavier, shoulders deeper, barrel longer and 
general form showing more of a beef tendency; they mature as early; are fine feeders, 
hardv, dress well and produce an excellent qualitv of flesh. 



SUSSEX CATTLE. 



153 




154 SUSSEX CATTLE SIMMENTHAL (BERNESE) CATTLE. 

At the Fat Stock Show, Chicago, 1885, a yearling Sussex steer received the Class 
prize on the butchers block, and was only defeated by one vote for the Sweepstakes 
prize open to all ages. At the Kansas City Fat Stock Show, 1886, a two-year-old 
Sussex heifer, shown by Fowler and Van Natta of Indiana, won both the Class and 
the Sweepstakes prizes. When we consider the great number of magnificent car- 
casses exhibited in competition, we may readily accord to the Sussex for beef a place 
among those in the front rank. 

As milk stock, they cannot claim much — improvement of the breed has been 
rather 'with a view of increasing size, appearance and feeding value, than with any 
idea of enhancing their dairy qualities. What milk they do give, however, is quite 
rich in cream, and occasionally a cow is found capable of an excellent record as to 
quantity. 

The engraving was prepared expressly for our use, and we do not hesitate to say, 
that the animals represented are second to few if any in America in point of general 
merit. Mr. Lea as a breeder of Sussex has been remarkably successful, and his uni- 
form courtesy and fair dealing have secured for him a host of well-wishers. 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 



SIMMENTHAL (BERNESE) CATTLE. 

The Simmenthal cattle came originally from Canton, Berne, Switzerland, but the 
best specimens are found in the valleys of Bernese Overland, and on the rich pastures 
of western Switzerland and southern Germany. In southern Germany, especially, 
the fertile valleys have been found very favorable to steady improvement, and to the 
late King William of Wurtemburg, who was especially interested in their importa- 
tion to Germany, the breed is largely indebted for its present improved condition. 

So far as we can ascertain, only two importations of these cattle have been made 
to the United States. In 1886, the Rev. F. Von Schluembach, of Perry, Tex., while 
on one of his periodical visits to Germany, became much impressed with the idea that 
just such cattle as the Simmenthal were needed in the United States, and if properly 
handled would grow rapidly in favor. He accordingly secured and brought over 
successfully four head — two bulls and two heifers — all yearlings, the first Simmenthal 
cattle ever brought to America. (The second importation of Simmenthal cattle was 
made in May, 1887, by John Dick, of Quincy, 111.) Writing to the Author, under 
date February 14th, 1888, Rev. Von Schluembach says: 

"* * * * The weight of the cattle in Switzerland is very great: bulls up to 3000 
lbs.; cows, five-year-old, upwards of 1800 lbs. Height, from 1.34 to 1.4 meters [54 to 56 inches]; 
length, 2.15 to 2.3 meters [85 to 87 inches], well and equally developed animals. * * * * 
Edelweis [referring to one of the heifers imported in 1886], three-year-old cow. May 1st, gives about 
four quarts per day now, but she will come in with second calf very soon. They are not a distinctly 
dairy breed, but are rather for meat purposes; but, at the same time, I believe good milkers if properly 
attended to. Although I imported my cattle in spring, and after quarantine in New York, had to 



SIMMENTIIAI. (HEKXESE) CATTLE. 



155 




156 SIMMENTHAL (BERNESE) CATTLE. 

bring them to Texas in August, by steamer to New Orleans, they have done finely from the start, 
and are easily acclimatized. The success I had with them in this respect, I attribute in no little 
measure to your excellent and very reliable suggestions. * * * They are easy kept in foodi 
are fully satisfied with Texas prairie hay and loose bran, feed up well, and fatten easily. * * * " 

Wishing to present an accurate description of this valuable breed, the ^Vuthor 
made a personal inspection of Rev. Von Schluembach's herd in March, 1888; and 
from notes made at that time, gives the following 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color, light yellowish red, spotted with white — in one strain of the breed, evenly 
variegated, in the other strain, the white is confined mainlv to the legs and belly line 
with white marks about the flanks, and usually also, about head and neck. Further 
than this there is no distinctive arrangeinent of color marking. In size they are fully 
equal to the largest Herefords or Holstein-Friesians — bulls weighing at maturity 1900 
to 2800 pounds, cows from 1200 to 1600 lbs. The head is broad and short, rather 
beefy, with a neck which in the bull fills up grandly as the animal develops, and in 
the cow is short, not delicate but neat and well carried. There is a characteristic 
mark in the peculiar pendent skin beneath the throttle in both sexes — especially so in 
the bull — and in the rather long and finely shaped ears well fringed with hair. ■ The 
horns are white and waxy to the tips, pointing outward and upward, sometimes for- 
%\ard, much like those of the Hereford, but shorter and better curved. The shoulders 
are deep and sinmoimted by a mass of dense muscular tissue, filling the crops to an 
even line; ribs well sprung to a neatly rounded barrel; haunches smooth — not promi- 
nent: indeed, tlie even rounded appearance of the haunches, as seen from rear view, 
may be called a prominent characteristic of the breed. The tail is placed well up, 
and drops squarely between full buttocks; legs medium to short, with large, strong 
bone closely held in firm tissue — almost the perfection of bovine symmetry and 
strength. The general appearance indicates beef and feeding capacity ; and the long 
body, squarely placed on legs' of moderate length, gives a frame work of sufficient 
size to carry an enormous carcass. 

As we have already indicated, the Simmenthal should he classed with the beef 
breeds. As to their merit for use in grading up on the range, we can only conjecture, 
as they have not been tried long enough to exhibit any grade offspring. We believe, 
however, that the southwestern rangemen have a very valuable addition to their stock 
in this breed, and we shall await further trial with interest. 

The engraving has been prepared expressly for our use from a photograph of 
Re\ . Von Schluembach's cattle, by Baron Von Hollweg, and is remarkably accurate 
in all details. The bull in front is Czar; a fine model with evenly variegated color. 
The one showing escutcheon (rear view) is Sultan; he represents the type in which 
the white markings are limited to lower line, legs and head. The view of Sultan 
displays fully the characteristic rounded haimches, and shows a thigh well turned and 
extremelv muscular. The cow Edelweis is unfortunately almost hidden by the two 
bulls, but is fulh their ciiuai in breed markings and characteristics. 



liKAHMIN (ZKIiU) CATTLE. 157 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 



BRAHMIN (ZEBU) CATTLE. 

Refenin<:f to the name by which these cattle are known in America, it may be 
well to state that it has no authentic foinidation other than tlie prevalent but mistaken 
idea — that but one breed of cattle is found in India, and that one connected in some 
mysterious way with the Brahmin reli<^ion. There are, in fact, several breeds of cattle 
in India, each one transmitting its peculiar qualities with as much certainty as do any 
of the modern breeds so well known in America. True, all of these families possess 
many characters in common, but they differ sharply in those distinctive (pialities by 
which American breeders must judge of their \ alue. 

Mr. Albert Montgomery, of New Orleans, has kindly placetl at hand a number 
of private letters from reliable parties in various portions of India, written in response 
to queries prior to his importation of Brahmins in 1885. Accoi-ding to the unanimous 
testimony of these men — well qualified to judge — the family best calculated to find 
favor in America is, in India, known as the " Buchour," and it is from cattle of this 
family that most of the shipments to America have been made. The name " Brah- 
min," however, is so firmly fixed among those who have bred or known them in the 
Southern States, that it would be impracticable at least to attempt a change. We 
have therefore adopted the nomenclature which heads this chapter, and shall refer, 
solely, to the cattle as now known in the United States. 

The Brahmins — as noted above — form one of the common domestic breeds of 
Indian cattle, are found also in China and East Africa, and are the onlv breed which 
can endure the intense heat and insect pests of the countries named. They differ 
from our domestic cattle in the following particulars: The period of gestation is about 
300 davs, while the average period with the common cow is 283 davs; they have a 
hump of fat over the shoulders, and 18 caudal vertebrae as against 21 in our ordinary 
cattle. These characteristics have led naturalists to class them as a distinct species 
(Bos Indicus^, but the bulls breed as freely with all varieties of the common cow 
(Bos taurus)^ as with females of their own peculiar breed. 

Introduction to the United States dates from before the _year 1853, when Mr. 
Davis, of South Carolina, purchased from the Earl of Derb}-, the first pair of Brah- 
mins ever brought to the United States. This importation finally found its way, 
about 1858 or 1859 to the McHatton Farm, above St. Louis; but it was too far north 
for them, and the entire herd was afterward sold at auction. Brahmin cattle found 
their way to Mexico about 1867, when Mr. F. McManus & Sons shipped 20 head — 
descended from the Davis importation — to the " Brachimba Farm," near the citj' of 
Mexico. No attempt was anywhere made to keep them pure, but the grades were 
much sought, and were soon widely scattered through northeast Mexico and southern 
Texas. Col. Richard Peters, of Atlanta, Ga., also made an importation of pure 
Brahmins before the war, and descendants of his stock have been scattered all over 



158 BRAHMIN (zebu) CATTLE. 

Florida and the coast regions of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. 
In southern Texas especially, the Brahmin blood has played an important part in 
improving the native stock, and its value is attested by the constant demand for Brah- 
min grades from practical stockmen in the region named. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

They m:\\ be best described by calling attention to those peculiar points which 
distinguish the grades — even when as low as l-16th of Brahmin blood is present. 
The ears are long and drooping; the horns, in the thoroughbred, point upward 
and backward — in the grades this peculiarity is retained, but greatly modified. The 
dewlap is voluminous, especially at the throttle; the hips are rather narrow, and 
the rump slopes rapidly from the sacrum to the tail. The loose fold of skin at the 
na\ el is remarkabh' developed, swinging from old males so as to almost touch the 
ground : this latter may be called the distinguishing mark of a Brahmin grade. We 
have seen a great many of these grade steers — some of them having not more than 
1-1 6th of Brahmin blood, but everyone retained this peculiar mark. In the grade 
heifers or cows, it is not so strongly marked, but even a novice would have no trouble 
in detecting the Brahmin blood. The color of the thoroughbred Brahmin is a sort of 
silver gra}-, with darker (iron gray) fore and hind quarters; and a large percentage of 
the grades from native cows exhibit similar markings. 

As to the economic value of this breed for the southwestern ranges, we have 
already \yritten. The great advantage which they have over any other breed capable 
of improving the so-called "native" Texan, lies in the fact, that they acclimate with 
perfect safety. Their native home is subject to about the same conditions (in concen- 
trated form) as obtain in the Gulf regions of the United States; and a change to the 
latter seems only to act as a sort of strong tonic, increasing the general vigor and 
health. 

^^'c■ cannot say that we admire them — in fact an American ideal of a thorough- 
bred bull is likely to be considerably shattered on first inspection of a typical Brah- 
min; but there can be no doubt as to their utility in the region named. The cross 
improves the quality of native beef, and adds quantity by increasing size. For the 
dairy, some of the cows are said to be superior; they give a large quantity of milk, 
but the quality is rather deficient; moreover, the Avild natm-e of the animal is liable 
to crop out in a variable, and sometimes vicious, temper. The grades from good 
quiet cows, are of course more nearly free from this objection, and in many places, 
dairies of Brahmin grades are giving good satisfaction. 

The previously published experience of Col. Peters is interesting in this connec- 
tion, and we quote: 

" The animals did excellent, and I thought I had solved the problem. They made tine beef 
cattle — wonderful — and some of them were extraordinary milkers. I had one grade Brahmin cow, 
that gave 36 quarts of milk per day ; I exhibited her at the fairs, and took premiums everywhere; 
but I discovered that tlie milk lacked butter-making qualities. * * * * And then the Brahmins 
were the most malevolent animals in the world, with a di^tinctive aversion to women. I don't think 
I ever saw a Brahmin cow that a woman could milk. * * * * I never knew one animal to die 
of murrain. They made the best work oxen I ever raised." 

The place for the Brahmins is on the southern ranges, and the grade bulls — half 
bloods — \\ith which !Mr. Albert Montgomery, of New Orleans, and his partner, J. 



liUAIlMIN (zebu) cattle. 



159 




160 BRAHMIN (zebu) CATTLE WEST IIIGHLAND CATTLE. 

AI. Frost, of Houston, Texas, ai'e supplying the market, find ready sale at good prices. 
Mr. Frost, writing to the Author under date of July 9th, 1888, says: 

" I defy any man to name the time when he ever saw a tick on either pure or half-breeds, or a 
worm from the blow fly [screw worms]. Further than this, 1 defy any man to say that he ever saw 
an V of them to die from a severe winter. They are the grandest cattle that exist for southern climates." 

The illustration represents the imported Brahmin bull Khedive, and several of 
his grade offspring from native Texas cows — property of the gentlemen just men- 
tioned — and was engraved for our use from photographs taken in Houston, Texas. 



CHAPTER XL. 



WEvST HIGHLAND CATTLE. 

I (kyloes.) 

This breed is undoubtedh' native to the Highlands of West Scotland, and the 
islands along the coast. The mountain breeds of Scotland may all be referred to the 
same original stock, and their variations at the present time, ascribed to climatic or 
other natural and artificial conditions mulcr which thev have been reared. As in 
Wales we have the Pembroke and North-Wales Cattle, so in Scotland, we ha\c the 
West Highlands, as direct descendants of the original Forest stock. 

Improvement of the breed has been effected mainl}' by selection and careful in- 
breeding. About the middle of the last century, the Duke of Argyle commenced a 
systematic course of breeding, which soon called public attention to the herds of 
Argyleshire ; in course of time the superior quality of his stock was communicated to 
all the cattle of the Highlands, and has since served as a basis for their continued 
excellence and improvement. The Hebridean farmers especially, declare that the 
Kyloes are as nearly perfect, for that locality, as may be, and assert positively that 
outcrosses, whenever tried, have only tended to render the offspring less hardy with- 
out increasing either quality or quantity of beef. Several importations have recently 
been made to the United -States and Canada, and we may confidently look for more 
extensive introduction in the future. 

DESCRIPTION : 

Color, black ; until late years, this color was not so strictly adhered to — brown, 
brindle, dun and other colors were nearly as common as black ; even now while the 
fashionable Kyloe must be black, there are many animals of equal merit showing 
other colors, indeed we are inclined to agree with Prof. Low when he says: 

"The breeders should look to the essential character of form, without limiting themselves to a 
black color of the hair, which is a property altogether secondary." 

The face is broad, tapering to a narrow muzzle, and showing a gradual dish or 
curvature from the horns to the nose. The eyes are prominent, bright and restless; 



WEST IIK.III.AM) t ATTI.E. 



1()1 




WEST HIGHLAND BULL. 

(English EngmvinM;.) 



162 WEST HIGHLAND CATTLE. 

ears well carried and thickly covered with hair; horns middle sized, broad and waxy 
at base, and curving upward to sharp points of a darker shade; neck short with con- 
siderable dewlap; back wide and straight, with full crops and even loin; ribs well 
sprung, and dropping to somewhat flattened sides. A striking peculiarity of the 
Kyloe is found in the small space between the hips and the last floating ribs. The 
lumbar region is remarkably short and strong, a provision rendered necessary by the 
mountainous character of their native country, and admirably fitting them for moun- 
tainous or hilly ranges wherever found. The hind quarters are full, deep and fleshed 
well down to the hock — twist low; forequarters wide apart, deep and heavy; brisket 
very full, and projecting well forward; legs short, straight and strong boned. The 
skin is mellow, "handling" remarkably well, and the hair is long, thick and more or 
less wavy — curled hair is considered an objection. In general we may say: the 
Kyloe is a compact, blocky built, neat looking, middle horned animal of dark color 
and medium size. Mature bulls weigh from 1100 to 1600 lbs.; cows from 700 to 
1000 lbs. 

characteristics: 

The West Highland breed has two verv strongly marked characteristics — (1) 
hardiness; and (2) excellent beef qualities. To use a western expression, the Kyloe 
is a good "rustler" — that is, he is entirely capable of taking excellent care of himself 
if given a reasonable opportunity. Trained for generations to range over pastures 
always hilly, and sometimes scant, and sheltered only by the rocks and ravines of his 
native range, it is no wonder that the modern Kyloe is superlatively hardy. Why 
they have not been introduced more extensively in the ranges lying along the foot 
hills of the Rocky Mountains, is only explained by the push and energy of Hereford, 
Angus and Galloway breeders; and the mania — we can call it nothing else — among 
Americans, for breeding size without regard to vigor. Certainly it would be hard to 
imagine a better stock for the broken range countries of the western United States, 
than is found in this vigorous and impressive breed. 

And now comes the second point in his favor — meat excellence. Facts are stub- 
born things, and the fact that Kyloe or West Highland beef has almost invariably 
commanded a higher price in the London markets than beef of other breeds, speaks 
volumes in its favor. We must remember, however, that the Kyloes have never yet 
been in such demand as to shut off the annual supply of thoroughbred beef; while 
with some of the more popular breeds, nothing has found its "way to the shambles, 
except the inferior'animals — too poor for breeding purposes. That the West High- 
land beef is really better than the marbled beef of either Galloway, Angus or 
Hereford, we are much inclined to doubt; but that Kyloe beef is as good as the best 
there can be no question. As work cattle, we have litttle knowledge concerning them • 
the people of the Highlands have always been essentially stock raisers, and there has 
been consequently small demand for oxen trained to the yoke. They possess the 
essential properties — activity and strength — and with training, would undoubtedly 
rank high for this purpose. Nothing is claimed for the Kvloe cow in the dairy : she 
gives sufficient milk to bring up her calf in excellent condition and for the range, 
nothing: more is desired. 



WEST iriGIII,AND CATTLE. 



163 




164 WEST HIGHLAND CATTLE TEXAS CATTLE. 

The engraving of cow and calf was prepared expressly for the Breeders Gazette 
of Chicago, and the kindness of the Gazette people in parting with an electro for our 
use, is acknowledged with thanks: the engraving of the bull is English work — both 
represent excellent specimens of the Highland breed. 



CHAPTER XLI. 



TEXAS CATTLE. 

On the ranges of the Southwest have existed for nianj' years, vast herds of cattle, 
which by their peculiar characters — effectually transmitted to their offspring — may 
be classed as a breed. Although known as " Texas Cattle," the same race extends 
throughout Mexico, and has been pretty well scattered through the more northern 
and western territories of the United States. According to Allen (American Cattle) 
" they are the descendants of the early Spanish stock introduced into Mexico in the 
sixteenth century ;" and this is undoubtedly correct, as a comparison of Texas cattle with 
the modern cattle of Spain would show — even at this time, after centuries of changed 
conditions — a marked similarity. 

The same original stock must also have furnished a nucleus for the now almost 
countless bovine population of South America. In this connection we quote Prof. 
Low (Domestic Animals of Great Britain): 

" The origin of those amazing herds which cover the plains of Paraguay, Buenos Ajres, and 
other noble provinces, is traced by Spanish writers to the arrival by way of Brazil of seven cows 
and a bull from Andalusia, at the City of Assumption on the Paraguay, in the year 1550." 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color varies, light dun and mouse color are, perhaps, most common, but red, 
yellow and black — and each with all styles of white markings — are found. A point 
already mentioned in the chapter on Jerseys is the usually lighter color of the hair 
bordering the muzzle — a peculiarity doubtless derived from the cattle of Spain where 
it is commonly observed. In size they vary according to the quality of range, but as 
a rule are small — bulls weighing from 1000 to 1200 lbs. ; cows from 600 to 900 lbs. 
Texas steers at 4 years old, grass fat, generally weigh from 900 to 1200 lbs. The 
distinguishing feature lies in the extraordinary size of the horns; these assume various 
wide, spreading shapes, sometimes measuring upwards of four feet from tip to tip. 

The cows are practically worthless for the dairy — few giving more than one or 
two gallons per day on good feed; but the value of the race to the whole country 
where it finds a natural home, can hardly be over-estimated. The improved breeds 
have found in this hardy stock, a basis which receives most kindly the blood of im- 
provement; indeed, but for Texas cattle, the Southwest would wait long years before 
possessing many herds of improved varieties. It is wonderful what results obtain in 
a few years from a single improved bull, placed with Texas cows. There is no dying 



TEXAS CATTLE. 



165 




166 TEXAS CATTLE HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF CATTLE. 

of such offspring by acclimating fever, and if the bull only survives until the cows 
are served, he has more than repaid his cost. It is this fact which has stimulated the 
demand for thoroughbred bulls during the last decade, and placed thousands upon 
thousands of Hereford, Aberdeen, Galloway, Shorthorn and other grades upon our 
ranges. The breed originally known as Texas Cattle, will, before many years, be a 
thing of the past, but its descendants combining the blood of improved varieties, will 
give a different character in the future to Texas cattle sold for Eastern markets. 

The engraving is an exact reproduction of a photograph taken under our imme- 
diate direction Aug. 4th, '88, and may be accepted as a fair likeness of a native Texas 
ox. (The horns of the animal represented in the illustration measured — at time the 
photo was taken — three feet, five inches from tip to tip, and the animal — five years 
old— weighed about 1000 lbs.) 



CHAPTER XLII. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF CATTLE. 

As already noted in the summary of part second, we have considered the breejds 
of cattle under three heads — dairy, general-purpose, and beef. Each of the known 
families of cattle must be classed under one of these divisions, and for whatever pur- 
pose bred, will all be subject to the same general principles of care and handling. 

In these days of specialists and " experts," even the breeders of stock have caught 
the contagion, and lines are drawn so closely between dairy and beef types, that it is 
an absolute necessity to refer to some intermediate class the many breeds which are 
valuable in both extremes, but supreme in neither. Cattle are no longer chosen 
entirely with reference to size, weight and rounded contour; but the peculiar qualities 
of each animal are as carefully estimated, and for these qualities the animal as quickly 
appropriated to satisfy some taste or special judgment, as any other commodity, sub- 
ject to the inevitable law of supply and demand. There is ample room for every 
improved breed of cattle, which has been, or in the future may be, established; and 
we have little patience with such narrow views as prompt a breeder to decry all other 
breeds but his. To advance one's interests, by setting forth the good qualities of his 
wares, is perfectly legitimate; but to attempt to advance one breed by tearing down 
another, is pernicious, and will sooner or later destroy public confidence, not only in 
the men, but also in the breed they champion so unwisely. 

In deciding the question as to which breed will prove most profitable, a man 
must be governed largely by: (1) The natural conditions of soil and climate; (2) 
nearness to market or shipping facilities; (3) the relative cost of outfits and materials 
for carrying on the different lines of work; (4) The cost and scarcity or abundance 
of competent labor; (5) the probabilities of fluctuation in market value, or the rela- 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF CATTLE. 167 

tive cost of holding over to meet a more favorable market; and (0) most important of 
all, the peculiar fitness of the man, either by natural ability, taste or education, for one 
of the special lines of work to which the various breeds are severally adapted. 

It will thus be seen how impracticable it is to give advice on selection of the 
"best" breed, and how utterly worthless such advice must be, unless given with inti- 
mate knowledge of all the peculiar conditions we have mentioned, and many others 
which will doubtless occur to the thinking reader. There are, however, certain points 
which may be given as an aid to individual selection, and of these we mention: 

First. — The animal should be carefully studied, with reference to some standard 
description of the breed to which it belongs; such a description we have aimed to give 
in each Chapter devoted to a breed; and no animal should be selected for breeding 
purposes that does not show, in appearance or progeny, the dominant characters of its 
particular breed. 

Second. — If a cow desired for the dairy, she should have the typical milk wedo-e: 
that is, as seen either from above or from the side, a V shaped outline, with the apex 
forward. The fore regions may be rather light in appearance, but the barrel must 
gradually deepen to the flank, joining the udder in an almost continuous line, as 
though the entire body were a portion — as indeed it is — of the milk machine. As to 
shape and appearance of the udder, breed characteristics must largely govern, but we 
may sa}' in general that a well formed udder should be large only when distended 
with milk: when empty it should appear small, and will usually hang in loose folds or 
wrinkles. As a rule, those cows having broad udders close up to the body, but spread- 
ing well forward and back, may be expected to give a good quantity of milk, while 
the cows with rather narrow and longer udders — "bottle-shaped" — will usually give a 
better quality as to butter content. The so-called milk veins, running from the udder 
region on either side of the abdomen forward, should be irregular and puffy, rather 
than straight and even; a rich' yellow colored skin is usually an excellent indication of 
value in the butter line, and a soft, glossy coat, is an invariable accompaniment of 
health. 

The escutcheon or "milk mirror," consists of hair turned in a reverse direction 
from that grown on other parts of the body, and is found on the udder — spreadino- 
forward and backward, and between the thighs, covering a greater or less surface 
according to the milking capacity of the animal. As previously stated, we shall not 
undertake a description of the various classes and orders of escutcheons outlined bv 
Guenon; the system is of sufficient importance to justify all the comment, favorable 
and otherwise, which it has provoked, and we can do no less than advise a careful 
study of the subject before deciding as to its practical utility. In our own experience, 
we have found the Guenon system of much value. The escutcheon cannot, in our 
opinion, be relied on as the only expression of good or bad milking quality, but if 
properly used in connection with other milk signs it furnishes a most valuable aid in 
the selection of dairy stock. Finally, and most important of all, be sure that the anir 
mal has a feminine look: a decided cowy appearance, especially of the head, not only 
indicates milking promise, but may also be accepted as a uniform sign of docility. 

The tj'pical outline for meat excellence should be sought in an animal full and 
even at all points, but especially well rounded at the parts which carrv beef of highest 



168 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF CATTI.E. 

price and qualit_v. Animals which hiy on fat in bunches are objectionable, as are, 
also, those which carry an immense bony frame — too large to be ever fully loaded. 
To put the matter in a nut-shell : In selecting for beef, choose always the animal 
which will dress the largest amount of high-priced beef and the least proportion of 
low-priced beef and offal. The parts to be favored then, are: Shoulders, fore ribs, 
loin, haunches and hams; and the parts to be curtailed as much as possible are: Head, 
neck, legs and belly. Beef is the end — if not the aim — of all cattle, and on the great 
ranges of the West, until the fertile prairies are dotted with settlers homes, the beef 
breeds will hold an undisputed sway. 

Third. — Between these two extremes of milk and beef stands the general-pur- 
pose animal — the one of all others which must always play a prominent part in the 
economy of thousands of small farms throughout the United States. The small 
farmer demands a cow which will not only furnish a fair quantity of milk and butter, 
but also carry at the same time a frame of good size, and show a natural tendency to 
flesh when not in milk. Steers from such cows make profitable feeders, and the 
cows themselves when rendered unfit for breeding by any cause, as accident or age, 
may be fed for the butcher and turned into cash at minimum loss. To select such an 
animal, requires ability to discover and appreciate the good points, when partially 
hidden by others of, perhaps, equal worth, but opposite indications. With this per- 
ceptive ability, and a knowledge of the good points of both beef and dairy types, a 
man will exjjerience little difficultv in selecting cattle for any desired purpose. 

Concerning care and management for the herd, we are pleased to present the 
following letters from practical breeders in different portions of the United States: 

Hoi stein- Fries ians. 
" Lakeside Farm, Syracuse, N. Y., July 24th, 1888. 

* * * * "The methods of feeding and caring for our stock are extremely simple. 
Calves are taken from dams when a day or two old and fed for a few weeks, new, full milk; then, as 
the calf gets age and strength, we take away the full milk, and in its place give centrifugally separ- 
ated skim-milk. We also give, dry, a small amount of ground oats and wheat bran, the amount of 
either food depending on the condition and assimilative powers of the animal. As the animal devel- 
ops, we add to the amount of dry and liquid food given, as we think the calf will digest and assimilate 
it, until it reaches an age and development that warrants taking the milk away and supplying haj and 
grain. We always leave a liUle hay in manger, that the calf may eat ad libitum. In summer we send 
the females to pasture, and the males are kept in stable, but are given frequent exercise in open air 
yards or paddocks. We commence using the bulls at about a year old. We aim to breed the heifers, 
conditions being favorable, when about 15 to 16 months old, so that they will calve after two years 
old. As the time approaches for calving, the heifer is put in a box stall, and carefully watched, and 
during calving, if necessary, assistance is given. For the first few days after calving, very little grain 
food is given, and that largely bran ; then, as she gains strength, we gradually add in quantity and qual- 
ity of grain food, the amount depending entirely on the individual and its powers of digestion and 
assimilation, but in a mixture of two parts of wheat bran to one of ground oats and one-fourth of one 
part of oil meal, which is our mixture for cows, where quantity of milk is required, or, if feeding for 
butter, one part each of corn meal, ground oats and bran, and one-fourth of one part of oil meal, the 
amount per capita would be from 4 to 12 pounds per day. 

"Our milch cows are milked twice or three times a day, as circumstances dictate, and are fed at 
each milking, which is done in the stable, grain feed being fed dry. In summer, cows run in pasture; 
they are fed soiling foods, such as rye, clover, oats or corn in stable, when pastures are poor. In 
winter, corn or clover ensilage is fed, with an alternate feeding of hay. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CAKE AND MANAGEMENT OF CATTLE. If39 

"The milk of each cow is carefully weighed separately, and the amount set down at the time on 
a blackboard conveniently placed, and each day transferred to a bock made for the purpose; the milk 
is then taken to the creamery where it is thoroughly strained through a perforated tin strainer and 
four thicknesses of cheese-cloth into a large tank; from there it goes into a smaller tank and thence 
into the De Laval Separator. The skim or separated milk, is run into a tank, from which it is drawn 
as needed. The cream is put in large vessels and allowed to acidify, and then churned in a cubic 
churn propelled by steam power. When the butter is in the grain, the buttermilk is drawn off, and 
the butter thoroughly washed in clear, cold water; it is then taken to the butter- worker, and salt 
added, one ounce to the pound of butter, then packed away in a cold room, and next day taken out, 
worked and packed for market. 

" We use no cotton seed meal or concentrated or highly stimulating foods, nor any drink other 
than pure water. Scrupulous cleanliness is used in caring for both calves and cows, milk and butter. 

"We keep our service bulls in stalls, and fasten them with chain from ring in the nose, and also 
from strap around the neck. They are so placed as to be able to see each other, and we think this 
tends to make them fearless of strangers and accustomed to company. These bulls we feed very 
sparingly of grain, and give hay and soiling foods in summer and ensilage in winter. 

Yours truly, Smiths, Powell & Lamb." 

The above is :in excellent tvpe of well-planned, thorough system. Lakeside 
Farm has become very widely known for the high class of its stock and dairj- prod- 
ucts, and the success attained is explained by the above outline of actual methods 
pinsued. 

yerscys. 

Manor, Tex., July 16th, 1888. 

'■**** My stock run in pasture in all except the very severest weather. Young 
things by themselves until old enough to breed, when they are turned into the larger pasture with the 
others. The time of their breeding is noted. Unless in thin order, no feed is given to heifers or dry 
cows in the grass season. Cows giving milk are fed all the time on cotton-seed, shelled oats and 
crushed corn and cob meal, with hay or corn fodder as I happen to have. If a cow is to drop calf in 
winter, she is carefully watched, and stabled in roomy box stall well littered. If the weather is mild, 
she is left in pasture. (No mules in pasture). As soon as the calf is dropped, the cow is milked out 
clean. 

" The calf is allowed to suck until it is three or four days old, when it is removed and afterwards 
never allowed to suck, but fed on whole milk fresh from the cow till it is four to six weeks old, when 
sweet skim milk is gradually substituted. At first the skim milk is slightly warmed, but afterwards, 
unless in exceeding cold weather, no warming is done. I have never had a case of milk fever nor 
other trouble about calving, nor do my calves ever suffer from scours. If an animal appears consti- 
pated, a dose of salts or 'liver regulator' is given, but I doctor very little. In bad weather everything 
is sheltered and fed, the main food for everything being cotton-seed. In fact, except to cows in milk, 
cotton-seed, with access to straw stack and pasture is the only feed. 

" I have lost a few head from Black Leg, but believe it can be prevented — not cured if it is 
very far advanced. When an animal dies, all the young and susceptible animals are at once given a 
mild cathartic and antiseptic. Have used Copperas, tablespoonful, with about as much of the dry 
powder Simmons' Liver Regulator, or one level teaspoonful Salicylic Acid and heaping teaspoonful 
of Sulphite of Soda; in either case, the dose is repeated for two or three days. I have stopped three 
outbreaks — losing none after beginning treatment. 

" In short, I follow nature as near as I can, depending on grass, good water and pure air for all. 
For about three months, stable; remainder of time in open lots; calves on grass from two weeks old. 

Very truly, &c., L. B. Giles." 

The above gives an idea of how the dairy herd is handled where cotton-seed is 
the main or staple food. While we are not of opinion that cotton-seed is the best 
food for cows in milk, yet there is no doubt that it and its product after extraction of 



170 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF CATTLE. 

the oil — cotton-seed, meal — are the most valuable concentrated food-stuffs which the 
Southern dairyman can command. Fairly good — even excellent — butter is made 
from the milk of cows fed largely on cotton-seed-meal, but its best effect is had when 
combined in smaller proportion with food-stuffs less rich in protein. Mr. Giles has 
certainly made an excellent showing inway of handling calves; there are few herds, 
where calves are reared by hand, that do not occasionally suffer from attacks of the 
scours, and Mr. Giles' success in this respect is probably due to the fact that he makes 
accurate note of the animal's condition from the time it is born. 

Devons. 

"Nashville, Tenn., July 19th, 1888. 

" * * * * As a breeder of Devons, having as the principal object in view, the sale 
of voung animals, it is necessary first that there should be absolute purity of blood; this is secured 
by starting with pure bred cows and bull, and as the bull is by much the largest part of the herd, 
extraordinary care is taken in his selection. No bull in my herd is inbred to his own calves, and 
although I do not part with a bull which I consider good, when his heifers come of age to be bred 
another bull of different strain is bought to serve them. My heifers are bred not under two years 
old, and are placed with the bull in the month of July, so that the first calf of the heifer will be 
dropped in April or May, thus giving an opportunity for the udder to be expanded by the spring 
grazing. Of 16 heifers being bred this season, the youngest was dropped 2nd September, 1886, so that 
the youngest heifer will be at least 31 months old at calving, and most of them three years old. My 
object in this is to give stamina and constitution, both to the cows and their progeny, which I think 
are greatly impaired by the very early breeding practiced by some breeders, in the great desire to get 
quick returns. After the first calf is dropped, I do not consider it of much importance in our climate 
at what season the calf comes, so my bull runs with the herd of milk cows all the time, and calves are 
being dropped by my cows at all seasons of the year, the time between calves running from ten to 
twelve months. 

" The bull is driven to the cow-house regularly every night with the milk cows, and, in my 
experience of twelve years as a breeder of Devons, buying a new bull about every two years, I have 
never had a vicious bull. This may be attributed in part to the docility of the breed, but I think it 
.ilso partly attributable to the manner in which they are kept. All of my cows (twin calves or some 
rare cases excepted) are milked night and morning in order to protect and develop the milking habit, 
but not enough is taken from them to stint the calves, who finish the job and take what the milkman 
has left, and no great complaint is made about the quantity of the milk which goes to the dairy so 
long as the calves are fat. 

" Calves are turned out to pasture every morning, and when weaned at six to eight months old, are 
put upon pasture. During the winter months the weaned calves have as much hay — red top, timothy 
or clover — as they can eat, and once each day are fed with grain (cornmeal coarsely ground) enough 
to keep them in good condition. Cows are milked in the cow-house in stall with rope halter fastened 
around the neck, and are fed every time they are milked — during the summer, very lightly, just a 
little being put in their troughs to keep them quiet; but in winter all the finely-cut hay they can eat, 
and coarsely-ground cornmeal as a grain ration. Except in extremely severe weather in winter, cows 
are turned out every day and night. Loose boxes about 10x30 feet are provided for cows which 
calve in the winter, and in summer, small pastures near by in which cows are put a few days before 
calving. Such is my system; the result: gentle bulls, healthy cows, breeding regularly up to the age 
of 18 or 30 years, and healthy calves, kept easily all the time in good growing condition, but never 
pampered until they look fat enough for prize beef. 

Truly, Edward D. Hicks." 

Mr. Hicks knows how to handle Devons for jDrofit. His plan of letting the bull 
run with the cows, is one which must be carefully regulated as to number of cows 
admitted if the sire is to be kept in prime breeding shape; but, when so managed, is 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CAKE AND MANAGEMENT OK CATTLE. 17] 

very satisfactory. It is the practice usually adiipted l.y all breeders ,,f vanu;^. stock, 
certainly tends to render the bull more easily subject to o.utrol, aud cannot fa?l lo llnd' 
plenty of advocates. His method of rearing calves will make line beef animals, but, 
if continually practiced,— one generation after another,-vvill surel\- tend t., destroy 
whatever capacity for large milk yield a breed mas- haxe originally possessed. As 
we have stated—" Nature" is .-.ll right in l,cr way, but a considerable ani.umt of 
"Art" has always been required to increase the dairy excellence of any breed. His. 
practice is correct, inasmuch as it Hlls the demand for beauty of form, fattening pro- 
pensity, and early maturity which a majority of Devon purchasers have created ; but 
we confess to a feeling of disappointment that the Devon breed is n.,t more strongly 
stnnulated to bring into greater prominence its inherent dairy worth. 

Red-Polled and Shorthorn Grades. 
.k * * * "Temple, Texas, August 20th, 1888. 

"I begin when calves; pen everything each night; lieep plentv of salt in the lot at all times- 
throw them a batch of shucks or cut corn-all of which has a tendency to make them gentle and 
docile. I breed them young, let the calves come at 24 to ,30 months old, then feed well. I think that 
makes better milkers. It has, however, a tendency to dwarf the heifer-she never gets so large when 
so treated. My cattle are all 'Muleys:' I can feed twelve head in a 12-foot trough and not crowd 
them. I u.se young bulls a little at one year old-say ten cows that year I keep my bull up in day 
tmiew.th calves all the spring, and turn him but at night; it makes him much gentler and more 
docile. I keep a ring in each bull's nose after one year old. I dehorn when calves, if they have 
horns at b.rth. I feed milk cows the year round-it pays. I use salt, sulphur and lime for my cattle- 
don t allow the ticks to accumulate on them. I have my cows milked at 6 A. M and 6 P M ' as near 
as I can. I keep about 20 to 25 head of cattle, which are penned where the rain carries the vvashings 
from the pen on to the farm, hence the liquid manure is saved on the land without ii.uch work. 

Yours truly, W. A. Cl,\rk." 

Mr. Clark is a Texas farmer who has found money in the dairy bn-iness. He 
believes in dehorning, but thinks they should always be removed xv ben the animal is 
very young. 

American Holderncss. 
In answer to our request for statement as to methods practiced by him, Mr. T 
A. Cole, of Solsville, Madison County, N. Y., originator of the American Ho'lderness 
breed, sends a very interesting "write up," clipped from the Neix.' York ( Weekly-) 
Sun. We make the following extract : 

"Rearing Calves.-As may be inferred, nearly all the calves are raised, and this is done in 
addition to the average annual yield per cow of 300 pounds of butter. At first thev are fed exclusively 
on new milk, but gradually skimmed milk is added and the new milk diminished; until at the end of 
three or four weeks, nothing but skimmed milk is fed. To make up for the loss of cream, a little dry 
o.l-meal is given them daily to lick. They are all shut up together on a floor 24x36 feet, Nvhich has 
been littered with the cobs from 500 or 600 bushels of corn. On these they caper and lie the cobs 
absorbing all droppings, and the action of the calves keeping the cobs stirred up and clean. On these 
they are kept out of storm and sun until the room is wanted for storing hay. Then they are turned 
out to grass, but are given their sour-milk rations until about the 1st of October. After this the sour- 
milk, not wanted for the few pigs intended for the family pork, is given to the cows. The horses all 
summer long, receive regularly a ration of buttermilk, which they appear to relish exceedingly 
Care is taken that young animals shall continue in a healthy, thriving condition, but are not ne'r- 
milted to become excessively fat, lest they acquire a tendency to put on fat rather than expend the-V 
energies in filling the milk pail. By inbreeding and this care the cows are all remarkably uniform 



172 HIXTS ox SELECTIOX, CARE AND MAXAGEMEXT OF CATTLE. 

in their milk-producing qualities, both as to quantity and richness. Mr. Cole says this uniformity 
extends to the raising of the cream, and the time required to churn it — one cow's milk being as like 
another's as one-half of a mess is like the other half. So completely does all the butter come at the 
same time, that he has tried in vain to get an additional yield of butter by churning the buttermilk. 
The separation appears to be complete at the end of the first churning." 

The main point which we wish to mention in the practice of Mr. Cole, is the 
one of allowing the calves to bed on corn cobs. The idea is a good one, and if put 
in general practice among Western farmers would soon do away with the unhealthy 
odors too frequently found in the calf-pen. His j^ractice of feeding back to the cows, 
the surplus skim product from the dairy, is rapidly growing in favor and is giving 
excellent results. 

Shorthorns. 

"Centre Grove Farm, Durant, Iowa, July 28th, 1888. 
* * * * 

" We are breeding Shorthorns for both milk and beef, so our methods may differ from those 
\vho breed exclusively for beef or exclusively for milk. Every breed has its office, and we believe 
the milking Shorthorn must fill a large demand made by the general farmer who wants a good milch 
cow that will raise a good, easy-keeping, early maturing steer. To fill this now rapidly increasing 
■demand, we are breeding and feeding the noble 'Red, White and Roan,' and the following are our 
methods: 

" We keep our bulls in a separate pasture by themselves, where, if possible, no cows will be 
■near them. Mature bulls will keep in good order on grass alone; growing bulls get a light ration of 
oats and bran twice a day. The breeding bulls get lots of exercise, even in winter, when they are 
turned out in tight yards on fine days. Ours are now tied in stalls at night, but we think running 
loose in box stalls would be preferable. 

" Heifers, cows and calves are run in separate pastures as much as possible. Pastures are of 
mixed grasses, blue grass predominating. Water and plenty of shade complete the outfit, and for 
eight months of the year the cow is content. Green fodder, however, is sometimes given during 
August; this is relished as a change. Pumpkins are also thrown to them during this dry time. Rock 
salt in each pasture, affords them a sure supply of that necessity. 

" Cows are mated at the first ' heat ' after the calf is dropped, unless in thin flesh, when more 
time is given. The first heat is surest to 'hold.' Heifers are bred at from 18 to 28 months, according 
to size and flesh. If getting too fat, we breed them younger, as excessive fat in a heifer is liable to 
produce barrenness. We try to prevent calves coming in July, August, January and February. 

"Pregnant cows are handled much the same as the other cows. The calf should be weaned 
■when its dam is five or six months pregnant, and the cow should be milked awhile and then dried off. 
The remaining three months of rest, should enable the cow to put on flesh, and gain strength for the 
<:oming calf. If necessary, such cows are fed extra to produce this condition. We expect the calf 
on or about the 280th day, but watch closely from the 270th day. If on grass, keeping confined on 
light, loose food (bran and oil-meal, &c.) for a week or more before and after calving, to prevent milk- 
fever, and to be present at parturition and save the calf. Great care is exercised to prevent pregnant 
cows from being chased by dogs, gored by other cattle, wading through deep mud, or eating mouldy 
or ergotized fodder. Some times feed a little fiaxseed about the 270th day, to help her ' clean ' well. 

" When a cow begins to show signs of calving, the attendant stays near until all is safe, usually 
in the box stall with her. Soma say that the cow prefers to be alone, but I think our cows like to 
have me there; they know I am there to help them. If the cow seems to need help, I pull down on 
the feet of the calf when she strains. As soon as the calf is delivered, I leave cow and calf alone 
for a time, then feed her bran mashes (warm) and give tepid water. The cow is then milked three 
times a day for a few days, and twice a day for a few weeks (or months) till the calf can take all and 
not physic him. 

"If the calf sucks and his bowels move once during the first six hours, he is fairly started on the 
road to market. We allow him to stay in a stall with his dam for a few days, and after that they are 



HINTS 0\ SEI.IXTION, CAUK AND MANACKMENT OF CATTLE. 173 

together only at night. During the day time, he plays with his mates, and early learns to eat oats 
which are placed wilhin his reach. This feeding is continued during the first year, and sometimes 
the second winter also. Calves run in .separate lot during the day, and after the cows have been 
partly milked, the calves are put wiih ihem. 

" At a very early age (two to four months), the bull calves are taken from among the heifers 
and placed in another lot. They are all weaned at from six to twelve months according to the con- 
dition of the calf and cow, and the stale of succeeding pregnancy. After the first year, we expect 
them to keep in good condition on grass alone; many will be ready for market at any time. 

"Our grain ration for young stock bulls and suckling cows is three parts of oats, three of bran, 
three of corn and one of oil ineal. This is varied very much, however, to suit the animal and the 
season. We very seldom feed corn alone; often feed oats alone. Raise a few wurtzels to feed in 
winter as a change. .Some corn fodder is cut in early September and fed, ears and all during cold 
snaps, besides the regular hay diet of stock cattle. Fine blue grass pastures are allowed to grow dur- 
ing the fall months, affording much nutritious food for stock during the warm winter days when there 
is no snow. 

" Such are about the methods now in use at Centre Grove Farm. Of course, something is 
learned each year to cause us to make some slight changes. When changes are made, however, we 
hope they are for the better. C. W. Norton i^ Son, fer Oak. 

We should like to make a great many comments — mostly favorable — on the 
above, but .space forbids inention of more than the main points suggested by the out- 
line given. Our friend " Oak " is right — there is no doubt that the cows like to have 
him around at the " labor" period; kindness to the brute creation is never thrown 
away, and cows brought up under such careful treatment as that pursued at Centre 
Grove Farm, always crave and appreciate the attention given. The jjractice of sep- 
arating the bull calves from the heifers at an early age, should be emphasized — and 
the hints on breeding cows and heifers will bear reading twice. If they are breeding 
for both milk and beef as noted, it is presumed that the calves are not allowed to do 
all the milking — and at irregular intervals, although it is not so stated — otherwise we 
should think the tendency would be more toward beef. 

Another point we may notice briefly is the practice of keeping the bull entirely 
away from the cows except at time of immediate service. There is no doubt that — 
if mental condition at time of coupling has any effect on the offspring — that effect 
will be more strongly marked by such practice. We have tried both plans, and, while 
many are in favor of permitting the cows and bull to run at farthest in adjoining 
pastiu'es, we believe — if separated at all — the separation should be complete. The 
only question that can be raised is one of disposition ; it has been stated that bulls kept 
in sight of cows will be more easily managed; but in our own experience the reverse 
has been true, and we are pretty well satisfied that to keep a bull in good temper, he 
must either run with the cows and be handled with them, or be kept entirely separate 
except at time of service. 

Holstein-Friesians. 

"Westburg Farm, Jesup, Iowa, Aug. 29th, 188S. 

" As to age of breeding, my practice at the outset was to breed so that each heifer would have 
her first calf at or near the age of three years. My own observations, and the milk records I have 
taken for five years, have not yet been sufficiently numerous to enable me to decide definitely. As to 
diminishing size by early breeding, I can only say that I have heifers which calved at two and two 
and one-quarter years, as large as those that calved at three and three and one-quarter years. As to 



174 HINTS ON THE SELECTION , CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF CATTLE. 

milk flow, I am inclined to think early breeding is preferable . I prefer to breed as nearly as possible 
in December, January and February; just as good (if not better) calves can be raised in a warm barn 
through the winter, as in summer. Milk being worth more in November, December, January and 
February, I find it more profitable to have them come at this time; in summer, milk is worth 45 to 
60 cents per 100 lbs., and in winter 85 cents to $1.10 per 100 lbs. I avoid having cows come in during 
warm weather, as I think them more liable to have parturient apoplexy. 

''I have practiced various ways of rearing calves; have seen little or no difference in size and 
constitution between feeding calves the fresh milk three times per day until they are six weeks old' 
and in allowing them to suck the cow to this time. My general practice is to allow them to suck at 
least seven or eight times. I have never taken a calf from the cow as soon as dropped. As far as 
milk flow and size are concerned, I am prepared to believe, that calves reared on sweet skim-milk 
and oats for a time after they aie four to six weeks old, make just as good cows as those allowed 
fresh milk for six months. I think that calves allowed to suck the cow, for say five or six months, 
develop a habit of laying on fat and do not generally make as valuable cows for milk on that account. 
" My practice, in summer feeding of cows, has been to give a small allowance of bran — say one to 
one and a-half lbs. at a feed — even while the pasture was good. It saves much of the labor in driv- 
ing from the pasture, aside from contributing to the volume of the manure; it saves also time and 
muscle necessary in driving them in the barn prior to milking. For winter feeding, I aim to mix 50 
lbs. of bran with 6-1 lbs. ground oats and 56 lbs. of ground corn. Of this mixture I approximate the 
needs of different cows; have fed as high as 24 lbs. per day to a cow weighing 1200 lbs., and giving 65 
to 67 lbs. milk per day ; have fed five to six lbs. at a feed to cows giving 30 to 35 lbs. per day. Have 
practiced mixing this ground feed on a small allowance of wet cut hay, and am confident, from the 
appearance of the excrement, that a great benefit resulted from this practice. 

"I think that, as a general thing, twice a day is suflicient for milking. I have milked several 
cows that gave large messes three times a day, for at least one month after calving, and afterwards 
twice a day. Larger milk records can be made, of course, by milking three times a day throughout 
the year. A fresh cow, especially, should be milked quite rc-gularly, while a cow that has given milk 
six months will not be affected very much by a little delay in milking. I aim to milk all cows 
regularly: When at the height of their flow in summer, I think they ought to be milked about 
5 A. M. and 4:30 P. m. A heavy tnilker usually secretes the most milk from morning to night. 

" I have practiced selling milk to creameries by the 100 lbs., receiving back, at different times, 
the set skim and the separated skim-milk ; have also set the milk at home in ice water, at 40 to 45 
degrees Fahrenheit, for 12 hours, and sold the unsalted butter. As to separated skim-milk from 
creameries, that require the milk hauled but once a day, I have decided to my satisfaction that it is 
much less profitable than set skim-milk, either 36 hours or 12 hours old — just the relative difference 
I am not aware has ever been settled. Calves fed on separated skim-milk, reared in this vicinity, are 
certainly not so thrifty and large as those raised a few years ago on set skim-milk. 

"There is very great difference of opinion among men as to keeping cows in the barn during 
winter. My practice is to keep them in during all snow storms and blizzards, and all days when the 
thermometer is at zero or below. I turn them out two or three times a day for water, and as soon as 
they are through drinking put them back — cleaning out the stables while they are in. The tempera- 
ture should be above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, when the cattle are in the barn. 

Truly yours, J. N. Muncey.'' 

Mr. Miincey is one of our careful, accurate breeders, well qualified by taste and 
an extended education to solve some of the actual problems of the day. The point 
he mentions (difference in feeding value between "set-skim" — the skim-milk left 
when cream is removed, after setting milk away for a number of hours — and " separ- 
ated skim-milk" — the product from centrifugal cream separators) is one of consider- 
able interest. In the South, esjDecially, the centrifugal process is of peculiar value, 
saving ice, — a costly commodity, — by reason of greatly decreased bulk in handling; 
and if, as Mr. Muncey suggests, the skim product from the machine is inferior ti> that 
from set milk, some wav must be found to rcmcd\' the defect. 



P A I^ X T H I I.^ D . 



SHEEP. 



SHORT- WOOLED BREEDS: 

PAGE 

Merinos Chapter XLIII 176 

Atwoods " " 183 

Paulars " " 183 

Dickinsons " " 186 

Black-Tops 

Delaines " 

HORNKD-DORSETS " XLIV 193 

Cheviots " XLV 195 

MIDDLE- WOOLED BREEDS: 

SouTHDOWNs Chapter XLVI 197 

Shropshires " XLVII 200 

Hampshires " XLVIII 308 

Oxfordshires " XLIX 206 

LONG-WOOLED BREEDS: 

CoTswoLDS Chapter L 308 

Leicesters " LI 213 

LiNCOLNS ... " LI I 315 

HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT: 
Chapter LIII 219 



176 



CHAPTER XLIII. 



MERINOS. 

Youatt supposes the Merino sheep a derivation from the old Tarentine breed of 
Italy. In his book — " Youatt on Sheep" — he says: 

"They were the Tarentine breed already described, and which had gradually spread from the 
coast of Syria and the Black Sea, and have now reached the western extremity of Europe. Many of 
them mingled with and improved the native breeds of Spain, while others continued to exist as a 
distinct race; and meeting with a climate and herbage suited to them retained their original character 
and value and were the progenitors of the Merinos of the present day." 

Low (1842) says: 

" Upon the whole, although authentic documents on the subject are wanting, there is presump- 
tion that the sheep of Africa were employed to perfect the sheep of Spain with respect to the pro- 
duction of wool. The Merinos exhibit certain characters which seem to show them to have been 
derived from some country warmer than that in which they were naturalized, and it was during the 
dominion of the African possessors of the country that the wool of Spain arrived at its greatest ex- 
cellence." 

Stewart in his valuable work, "The Shepherd's Manual," says: 

" The Spanish Merino existed as a distinct race 2000 years ago, and the fine robes of the Roman 
Emperors were made from the wool of .Spanish flocks. There is no history or tradition as to their 
origin, which can be accepted as reasonable by any practical shepherd. It is probable, however, that 
the fine-wooled sheep, which we read of in the ancient histories, were rather the natural product of 
very favorable conditions of soil and climate, by which inferior races were greatly improved, than of 
any direct efforts to breed them up to a desired standard." 

That the Tarentine sheep were taken to Spain at a very early day, is proven by 
the early writers; but there is little doubt that Spain received, at the same time, acces- 
sions of African blood from the fine-wooled flocks of the Barbary States on the other 
side of the Mediterranean. 

Columella (an ancient rural economist and author of " De Re Rustica" — a copious 
treatise on agriculture, in twelve parts — who flourished about A. D. 20 to 40) informs 
us that his uncle (of the same name) took with him from Italy to Spain a consid- 
erable number of the Tarentine sheep; and that he also secured some African rams of 
singular beauty which had been exhibited at Rome. 

Pliny the younger refers to the "red fleece of Boetica" — an ancient district of 
Spain — in ternns of the highest praise, but as the sheep of this district have always 
retained the "red fleece" of which he speaks, and, as they have always differed — and 
still differ materially from the Merino breed, it is hardly probable that these sheep — sup- 
posed to be of Grecian nativity — had any important place in the immediate origin of 
the Merino. 

To the Atnerican breeder a close, accurate account of the precise origin of Merino 
sheep would be of considerable interest; but, unless some, as yet unfound, history 
may be discovered, the precise origin of the Merino will remain a matter of deduction 



MERINOS. 177 

from circumstantial evidence. The Merino is certainly the oldest of surviving breeds, 
and as its authentic history is almost co-existent with the history of Spain we may for 
all practical purposes, and without further question as to its remote origin, regard 
it as a creation of Spanish breeders, who used the finest sheep of Italy and Africa, and 
were further assisted in improving the then native flocks by the natural adaptation of 
Spanish soil and climate to the rearing of fine-wooled sheep. 

When the flocks of Spain first came to be in great demand, there were found, 
then as now, two classes, known respectively as "esiantes" or stationary, and '■'■irans- 
humantes,^'' or migratory. The stationary flocks are those which remain in a certain 
district during the year; while the migratory class, on account of scarcity in food or 
water, make bi-yearly journeys in search of fresh pasture. 

From the latter class — generallv superior — most of the shipments to other coun- 
tries have been made. 

The French Merino originated from an importation of about 400 head of sheep, 
selected from the finest flocks of Spain, in 1786. A few had been imported to France 
nearly a century before this date by Jean Baptiste Colbert, Minister of Finance to 
Louis XIV, but they were not appreciated and were soon lost sight of. 

The importation of 400 head, mentioned above, was made by the French Gov- 
ernment during the reign of Louis XVI, and most of the sheep were placed on the 
Royal Farm at Rambouillet, where their improvement was carried on with consider- 
able success; it was from this circumstance that they derived the name " Rambouillet" 
sheep, by which they have been commonly known. The Merinos under French 
management increased in size and weight of fleece, but lost, to a great degree, the 
hardiness of their Spanish parents. 

The fleece was fine — fully equal to Spanish wool — and carried a much smaller 
quantity of yolk: this character, in connection with their increased size, made them 
quite popular for a time in America; the small quantity of yolk rendered the fleece 
much less subject to loss of weight in washing, but the sheep were soon found to be 
too tender for American conditions, and rapidly declined in favor. 

The Saxon Merino originated from a flock of 300 Spanish Merinos, of the 
Escurial family, sent in 1765, by King Louis XV, to Saxony, in response to the 
request of his brother-in-law Prince Xavier. The Escurial family of Spanish Merinos 
had always been noted as bearing the finest wool of any in the Kingdom ; and their 
Saxon breeders have carefully preserved this, the only really' valuable, feature of the 
breed. Saxon Merinos require great care and attention — being the least hardy of any 
of the modern Merinos — and, as they yield an average clip of not over two or three 
pounds, the higher price obtained for qualitv does not make up for the marked 
deficiency in weight of fleece. 

The German or Silesian Merino is the only one (except the American) of the 
Spanish branches which may be called a success. It is the direct result of uniting the 
Infantado and Negretti families of Spanish Merinos, and is as purely Spanish in its 
nature as if really Spanish bred. The original importation to Silesia was made in 
1811, by Ferdinand Fischer of Wirchenblatt. This gentleman selected in person 100 
Infantado ewes and four Negretti rams, and so carefully did he preserve the purity of 
the breed, that the pedigree of every sheep since the foundation of the flock has been 
recorded, and no trace of outside blood can be found. 



178 MERINOS. 

Silesian Merinos from Mr. Fischer's flock were first imported to the United 
States about 1850-00, by WiUiam Chamberlain of Duchess Co., New Yorls;, in all 
some "250 head, and have since obtained considerable favor. The wool is liner than 
that of the Spanish Merino, and the carcass little if any smaller. They mature 
slowly, but are said to be hardy and fairl)' prolific. 

From this brief account of the Merino in other countries, we may pass to con- 
sider more in detail the modern families which have attained popularity on this side of 
the Atlantic. 

The American IMerino. 

The first importations of pure Spanish Merinos to the United States were soon 
lost sight of, through being mixed with other blood; but we give them in order, so 
far as possible, as being of interest to American breeders. 

About 1791 four Spanish rams were shipped to the United States, and one of 
them was used in the vicinity of Wilmington, Delaware, until 1808. In 1798 Hon. 
William Foster of Boston, imported from Cadiz two Merino ewes and one ram ; these 
sheep were presented to a friend, who, ignorant of their great value, killed and ate 
them. ( Mr. Foster, it is said, afterwards caught this same unfortunate friend in the 
act of paying $1,000.00 for a Merino ram, no better than the one he had eaten.) 

In 1802, however, the first importation of importance was made by Col. David 
Humphreys of Derby, Conn., then Minister to Spain; and from the flock then intro- 
duced the modern Atwoods, Dickinsons, and Black-Tops have sprung. 

Concerning this importation we quote from Vol. I of the Atwood Register : 

"Col. Humphreys made a contract with a gentleman to deliver one hundred Spanish Merino 
sheep at Lisbon. Ninety of these arrived at Derby, Conn., in the spring of 1803. In reference to 
this importation, Col. Humphreys says, in his miscellaneous papers: 'Convinced as I was that this 
race of sheep, of which I believe not one has been brought to the United States until the importation 
by myself, might be introduced with great benefit to our country, I cont-racted with a person of most 
respectable character to deliver me at Lisbon one hundred, composed of twenty-five rams and seventy- 
five ewes, from one to two years old. They were conducted across the country of Portugal by three 
Spanish shepherds with proper passports, and escorted by a small guard of Portuguese soldiers. On 
the 10th of April they were embarked from the Tagus on board the ship Perseverance, of 350 tons, 
Caleb Coggeshall, Master. In about fifty days twenty-one rams and seventy ewes were landed at 
Derby, Conn., they having been shipped at New York on board a sloop destined to that river. The 
nine which died were principally killed in consequence of bruises received by the violent rolling of 
the vessel on the Banks of Newfoundland.' " 

The second importation of importance — and the one which, by reason of its 
magnitude, has done most to stamp the character of American Merinos — was made in 
1809-10, by William Jarvis of Vermont, then United States Consul at Lisbon. 

Stewart ("Shepherds' Manual"), referring to the Jarvis importation, says: 

" This consisted of 3850 sheep of the flocks of Paulars, Neggrettif , Aqueirres and Montarcos 
of Spain. These flocks, consisting of 50,000 head, had been, for political reasons, confiscated and sold 
by the Spanish Government, with other property of the four grandees who had owned them. Of the 
imported sheep, 1500 came to New York, 1000 to Boston, and the remainder to Philadelphia, Balti- 
more, Alexandria, Norfolk, Richmond, Portland, Wiccasset and Portsmouth. Another shipment of 
2500 head followed in 1810, and were distributed between New York and Boston. These sheep were 
of the prime flocks of Spain, and Spain's loss was our gain." 

From the importations made by these two gentlemen — Col. Humphreys and Mr. 



179 




180 



MERINOS. 



Jarvis — the American Alerino, with its numerous subdivisions or families, has arisen. 
From the United States Merino Sheep Register we take the following authori- 
tative 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

"There must be a perfectly authenticated line of ancestry extending to one or more of the im- 
portations of Merino sheep from Spain, made prior to 1812, without admixture of any other blood. 
The constitution is indicated by a heathful countenance; expanded nostril; short, strong neck; deep 
chest; round barrel; strong, short back; strong loin; heavy bone of fine texture; muscle fine and 
firm, and skin thick, soft and of a pink color. 

" Under the term fieece must be included quantity, quality and condition of the wool, as shown 
by the weight of fleece, the length and strength of staple, crimp, fineness and trueness of fibre, even- 
ness throughout, freedom from gare, and the fluidity and amount of yolk. 

"The term covering includes the extent and evenness of the fleece over the whole body, legs, 
belly, neck and head; the quality, lustre, crimp, density and length of wool, and the quantity and kind 
of oil or yolk. The shoulders should be well placed; back broad; quarters long and well filled up; 
head short; folds in the neck, elbow, flank, belly, thighs and tail. 

" Rams at full growth, in breeding condition, should weigh 130 lbs. or upwards, and ewes about 
100 lbs. The head should be of medium size ; muzzle clear ; nose (or face) covered with short, glossy, 
furry hair; eyes bright and placid ; forehead broad ; ears soft, thick and set wide apart; ewes hornless; 
horns on the ram well turned (set not to closely to the head and neck, nor yet standing out too wide), 
and free from black or dark colored streaks. The neck should be short on top and long below ; 
strongly set to the head and shoulders, becoming deeper toward the shoulders; folds heavier under- 
neath and extending up the sides of the neck, including heavy dewlap and apron. The legs should be 
short, straight, well spread apart, and bone heavy; hoofs clear in color, and well shaped. General 
appearance should be bold and vigorous with symmetrical form, and proper complexion of covering." 

The following Scale of Points, for American Merinos, should be used in connec- 
tion with abo\e: 

Blood 20 I F..rw;ird 81 

Constitution 18 ! Head (y 

Fleece 13 i Neck 5 



Covering 13 

Form 9 

•Size 8 



Legs and Feet 4 

General Appearance 4 

Perfection 100 

Forward 81 

In the South, the Merinos are better known than anv other breed of sheep; the 
fact of their continued breeding for centuries in the hot, dry climate of Spain, and 
the further fact — or perhaps we should say supposition — of a remote ancestry from 
the still warmer latitude of northern Africa, has fitted them especially for the warm, 
dry, elevated regions of the Southwest. It must be borne in mind, however, that the 
Merinos do not come in conflict, in an\' jDarticular, with the heavier sheep of the 
Down and Long-wool tribes. The mission of the Merino is to furnish wool, and 
that, too, of the finest qualitv ; and for this purpose he stands, admittedlv, ^vithout a 
rival. 

Of the more prominent strains of Merinos, now known in the Laiited States, we 
have thought best to give a short account, in order named, of the Atwoods, Paulars, 
Dickinsons, Black-Tops and Delaines. It will be remembered that we are not writing 
from the standpoint of a biased or partisan breeder: our statements are intended to do 



MERINOS. 



181 



^m^?m^ 






^ii 



^^-%.^.-. 



^^j» 




182 



MERINOS. 



simple justice to each, and if we fail in this the blame cannot, at least, be imputed to 
any malicious purpose on the part of the Author. 

The Atwoods. 

The origin of the Atwood family may be given, in brief, by the following quota- 
tion from Rules of Entry to the Register of the Vermont Atwood Merino Sheep 
Club: 

"Descendants of sheep purchased from Stephen Atwood, or vouched for by him as pure descen- 
dants of the Humphrey's importation, and no other may be entered in the Register on proving 
either ancestral purchase from Stephen Atwood, or their direct descent through the importations of 
W. S. and Edwin Hammond, R. P. Hall, W. R. Sanford, and C. B. Cook from his flock, to the satis- 
faction of the Executive Board." 

The flock of Stephen Atwood was founded in 1813, when he purchased of John 
Riggs a six-year-old ewe, raised by Col. Humphreys, out of one of his imported ewes. 
Mr. Atwood's account of his sheep — and which is attested by reliable gentlemen who 
were familiar with them — is given as follows in the Atwood Register: 

"I bred the Riggs ewe and her progeny to rams I knew to be of pure Humphreys blood, till 
1819," and at that time he states : " I bought from the Leman Stone flock, that he raised from Col. 




i«s»#i«#ia 



PURE-BRED ATWOOD MERINO RAM, CLINGSTONE 2nd, 40I. 

Weight of third fleece, 30 lbs.; sold to Soulh Aiiieric;i, issli; bred by George Hamm.imd, >riddlebiiry, Vt. 

Humphreys' flock, five ewe lambs that I selected; and with these five lambs and the ewe I bought 
first, I have raised my flock of sheep." 

While Mr. Atwood was fortunate enough to preserve the blood in its original 
purity, to Edwin Hammond belongs the credit for most of the great improvement 
which the Atwood sheep have undergone. Mr. Hammond was born in Middlebury, 



MEKINOS. 183 

Vermont, May 20th, ISOl, ami lived within a short distance of his birthplace until his 
death, Dec. 31st, 1870. He was a man of excellent judgment, and is placed by some 
on an equal footing with Bakewell (of Leicester fame) as an improver of sheep. The 
Hammond sheep are directly descended from the flocks of Stephen Atwood, and thus 
it happens that on proof of Hammond breeding, the purity of blood is at once accepted, 
and the animal admitted to record. 

DESCIUl'TION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

No authoritative scale of points or standard description has been adopted by the 
club, but the following points may be stated in brief, as distinctive of the Atwood 
sheep : They are large, round bodied and strong boned; very heavy shearers — a clip 
of 24 or 25 pounds for rams being not uncommon; the fleece is very dense, and 
although abundantly supplied with a liquid yolk (natural oil) it exhibits little tendency 
to crust externally: when parted, the wavy crimps of the wool may be seen to the 
very tips of the fibre, and the coloring is a rich buff tint — one of the points for which 
Mr. Hammond bred in particular. The skin, as will be seen from the illustration, is 
strongly marked by folds ("wrinkly") at both neck and rump — a peculiarity even 
more strongly marked in the next family — (Paulars). The sheep are hardy, and the 
rams have been extensively used for grading up the mixed flocks of Texas, New 
Mexico and Arizona. 

The Paulars. 

Concerning the history of the Paular Merino family, and its present status, as 
compared with the other recognized strains, we have thought best to give — without 
comment — the views of the acknowledged leader among Paular breeders in America, 
Mr. Jno. P. Ray, Hemlock Lake, N. Y. We have decided upon this course for sev- 
eral reasons, chief among which stands the fact that Mr. Ray is known to be a careful 
breeder, and, although undoubtedly somewhat partisan in his views, a thorough student 
of all literature bearing upon the history of sheep. 

Replying to our request, he writes as follows: 

" Probably the most noted of all the Spanish flocks were the Paulars, Infantados, Escurials, 
Guadaloupes, Negrettis, Montarcos and Aquierres. We have no authentic history to show how- 
marked and well defined were the differences that existed between these families; there is a general 
belief among sheep men, that the Escurials were the finest fleeced of all the Spanish flocks; the 
Negrettis, the wrinkliest, and the Paulars, the hardiest, best formed and heaviest folded in the neck. 
* * * * Col. David Humphreys [see Atwoods] left no records benind to show from what 
flock or flocks he obtained his sheep; Consul Jarvis, who went to Spain soon after, made a great 
effort to learn this fact but without success. Stephen Atwood, the distinguished Connecticut breeder 
who lived near Col. Humphreys, wrote Gen. Otto F. Marshal, Wheeler, N. Y., in 1884 that Col. 
Humphreys' sheep were of the Paular breed. That Edwin Hammond, the great improver of Merino 
sheep (Atwoods), was of the same opinion, the following certificates witness: 

"' MiDDLEBCRY, Vt., September 23d, 1847. 

"'This may certify that I have this day sold to D. P. Pond of Cornwall, State aforesaid, six full- 
blood Merino ewes — four of them being of the age of one year, and one of them bearing the age of 
two years. Said sheep are of the Paular breed, a part of them being purchased by myself and R. P. 
Hall of Stephen Atwood of Connecticut, and the other portions of said sheep were raised by me and 
are precisely the same in pedigree as those purchased of Mr. Atwood. As I bred them pure from 
said Atwood sheep, I will here insert a certificate whrsii I obtained of Mr. Atwood and reads as 
follows : 



184 



'"Woodbury, LitchBeM, Co., Conn., Jan. 37th, 1844. 

'"This may certify that Edwin Hammond and R. P. Hall of Addison Co., State of Vermont, 
have this day purchased of me three full-blood Merino bucks and of me and others, 27 full-blood 
Merino ewes, descendants from my flock of the Paular breed, which originated from the celebrated 
fiock imported by Col. Humphreys of Derby, New Haven County, State of Connecticut. 

(Signed by Stephen Atwood.) 

' Edwin Hammond.' 

"(These certificates were published in the Country GeH//e/«(7« of Aug 24th, 1865 ; the original, 
given by Mr. Hammond, was carried to the Country Gentleman office by a deputation of Vermont 
breeders of whom the venerable S. S. Rockwell, West Cornwall, was chairman.) 

" Other Paular Blood. — Consul Jarvis, hitherto mentioned, sent out from Spain 1400 sheep 
of this breed. His flock which he established at Wethersfield, Vermont, and bred in separate and 
distinct blood lines for several years and subsequently mixed all together in breeding, was originally 
composed of about one-half Paulars, one quarter Aquierres, and the other fourth Escurials, Negrettis, 
and Montarcos. 

"Andrew Cocks, Flushing, Long Island, purchased 800 head of sheep from the different cargoes 




PURE-BRED PAULAR MERINO RAM. 

Property of Jxo. P. K.w, Hemlock Lake, X. Y. 
sent in, and history and tradition sustain the fact that his purchases consisted of Paulars which he selected 
with great care. He bred the flock pure down to 1823, when it was sold to Jehiel Beedle, on account 
of Leonard Beedle and Hon. Charles Rich of Shoreham, Vermont. At the time of the sale to the 
Vermont parties, it is claimed that some of the imported sheep were still in the flock, and carried the 
original Spanish ear-marks. It would occupy too much space to reproduce the certificates given by 
Effingham Lawrence, John T. Rich, F. H. Jennison, Charles A. Hurlbut, Jaspar Barnum and Levi 
Rockwood, all going to show that the Cocks flock were of the Paular family, and were certified to be 
such in the Bill of Sale given by Cocks to Beedle. We refer the reader to Moore's Rural Ne-w 
Torker of August 5th, 1865, where the certificates may be found. 

"The Rich branch of the Cocks sheep was bred for several years in the Cocks blood-lines, then 
it was crossed to a ram bred by Consul Jarvis, and later still with the blood of Stephen Atwood's 



MERINOS. 185- 

flock. From this flock was descended the celebrated flock of V. Rich, Richville, Vt., and the flocks 
of the late Tyler Siickney and Erastus Robinson, Shoreham, Vt. — the blood of which is now widely 
dispersed throughout the country. 

"About 1840, David and German Cutting purchased about 80 ewes and 2 rams that were bred 
by, or descended from, the flocks of David Buffum, Reuse Potter, David I. Bailey and Geo. Irish of 
Newport, Rhode Island. It is claimed that these sheep were descended from the importations of 
Paul Cuffe and Richard Crowineshield and were without doubt consignments of Consul Jarvis. 
Messrs. Cutting bred these sheep to rams of Robinson and Rich and Atwood blood, and wherever 
this blood has found its way it has been crossed without reference to maintaining the original Rhode 
Island strains — hence but a small fraction of that blood remains in the Cutting blood-lines wherever 
found. 

" In 1844, Jacob X. Blakeslee of Watertown, Conn , wrote a letter for publication in the Culli- 
vator, published at Albany, N. Y., in which he claimed his sheep to be of Negretti, Montarco and 
Escurial blood. 

" It may be assumed that our improved American Merino flocks are, substantially, if not wholly, 
descended from the foregoing named blood-lines, with the Blakeslee blood, at most, in a very limitedi 
degree. For more than 40 years a class of our breeders have claimed a family of sheep descended 
purely from the flocks of the Atwoods of Connecticut, and have claimed a distinction in title and 
breeding. In view of this circumstance, and the fact that all other pure-bred Merinos partake largely 
of the Paular blood, they have been very generally alluded to as ' Improved Paulars,' ' Mixed Paulars,'' 
and 'American Paulars,' which last name or title, I hope, will be generally adopted. 

" The most successful breeders of these sheep have aimed to secure type and quality in their 
flocks, and have placed this above any special line of descent from importation, or from any one of 
the earlier flocks. In pursuing their course of breeding they have made use of the best specimens of' 
the breed, and as a rule have avoided too close in-and-in breeding, and have achieved results unat- 
tained elsewhere when measured by high, sure weight of carcass, or weight of fleece — either gross or 
scoured. The aim has been to produce a well formed and symmetrical animal, of constitutional 
vigor, carrying a dense, oily fleece of good quality tliroughout. Folds or wrinkles have been culti- 
vated in a marked degree, and an amount of oil secured in the fleece that many have thought to be 
extravagant in the extreme; yet sheep of this class have made great improvement on the common 
wool-growing flocks — the wrinkles contributing toward density of fleece and covering, and the oil' 
proving interchangeable with wool product. 

"The accompanying Scale of Points will enable one to understand the points of excellence 
esteemed by breeders. A ram takes standard rank by making a score of 75 points, and a record at 
public shearing of 25 lbs. fleece and 110 lbs. carcass. 

"SCALE OF POINTS FOR STOCK RAM: 

" Bone 5- 

Physical development and general appearance lO 

Head broad, nose wrinkly and face covered with soft velvety coat 5 

Neck, short, broad, muscular, well set on shoulders 5 

Shoulder, massive as to depth and breadth 5 

Back, level, straight — Ribs, rotund 5 

Hips, broad and long 5- 

Fore-legs, straight, well set apart 3 

Hind-legs, straight and set so as to give a perpendicular appearance to hind parts 5 

Ear, soft, thick and velvety 2 

Color of nose, ears and hoofs, pure white 5 

Wrinkles on neck heavy, pendulous 5 

Wrinkles across arm and point of shoulder on side and running well under 5 

Tail, hip folds and flank 5 

Density of fleece on neck 3^ 

" " " " back 3 

For-K'tird 7(> 



186 MERINOS. 

Forivard 76 

Density of fleece on side 3 

" " " " hip and extending to ilanlc 3 

" " belly 3 

' Crown of head or cap 3 

Cheek 2 

Foreleg 3 

Arm-pits 2 

Covering. \ Hindleg 2 

Inside of flank 3 

Connection between tag wool and belly 1 

Fibre to indicate, as 'fine,' 'jnedium' and 'coarse.' 

Oil, as 'buff' and 'white.' 

Perfection 100 " 

The illustration represents the ram "Prince Bismark," a famous prize winner of 
the Paular family, that was never beaten in the show ring. In full fleece he weighed 
,200 lbs., and yielded a fleece, of one year's growth, of 35 lbs. 9'/^ oz. 

The Dickinsons : 

Concerning the origin of this strain of Merino blood, we may say : Mr. Thos. 
Rotch purchased from Col. Humphreys (Derby, Connecticut) some of the latter's 
pure-bred Spanish Merinos, imported in 1802, and took them to Stark County, Ohio, 
about the year 1810. W. R. Dickinson — from whom the family takes its name — 
lived at Steubenville, Ohio, but had large landed possessions in Stark County, and 
soon secured the entire flock of pure-bred Merinos as his own. The sheep were bred 
with scrupulous care as to purity of blood, and under Mr. Dickinson's skillful manage- 
ment soon reached a high state of improvement. After the death of Mr. Dickinson 
(1831) Adam Heldenbrand became the owner of all the pure-bred Humphreys sheep 
which Mr. Dickinson had bred, and from him was secured the nucleus which formed 
the flock of James McDowell. 

As we shall mention imder the next topic an apparent conflict of statements 
between breeders of Dickinsons and Black Tops, it may be well to make the follow- 
ing extract from a published letter, written by James McDowell in 1884, in which 
Dickinson breeders find their authority to deny a Humphreys origin for the Black Top 
sheep; the last statement is the one referred to: 

" W. R. Dickinson, of Steubenville, Jeffei-son Co., O., in the early part of this centurv, com- 
menced the breeding of a small flock of pure Merino sheep that were imported from Spain in the 
year 1803, bv Col. David Humphreys of Derby, New Haven County, Connecticut. These he 
secured through the agency of Thomas Rotcli, an eminent and enterprising citizen of Connecticut, 
who migrated from that State to .Stark County, O., in the early part of this century, bringing with 
him the first large flock of Spanish Merinos into Ohio. 

"These sheep were bought direct of Col. Humphreys, which was learned by my personal 
acquaintance with Mr. Dickinson, Thomas Rotch and his shepherd, John Hall, who brought the 
sheep from Connecticut to Ohio. 

" The sheep wliich Mr. Dickinson secured were kept at Steubenville, O., for a few years, and 
were the origin of his entirely purebred Merinos, descended directly from sheep imported bv Col. 
Humphreys from Spain in 1802. 

"These were distinctly marked, and separately kept. Mr. Dickinson stated in the latter years of 
his life that he never sold any of the ewes descended from his own pure-bred flock, his sales being of 
ewes purchased throughout the country^a grade of well-bred Merino flocks or '.hose descended 
therefrom, in which he dealt extensively." 



187 







188 MERINOS. 

Dickinson Merinos, eligible to entry in the Dickinson Merino Sheep Record,, 
must trace their descent to the standard bred flock of James McDowell, Canton, Stark 
Co., Ohio (without admixture of impure blood), which flock, as we have already men- 
tioned, was directly descended from the Humphreys importation of 1802, through the 
famous flock of W. R. Dickinson. 

The following, adopted by the Association, may be accepted as a standard 

description: 

" Body deep, round, wide and long, showing mutton capacity, good feeding and tliriving qualities,^ 
heavy, thick flesh, straight under and top lines, well proportioned, filling every part of its skin when 
fully matured. Skin thick, soft, not raised in corrugations, pink red. Head small, carried high. 
Quiet, placid eye. Nose white, not mottled, covered with fine soft white hair, wide and slightly arched. 
Ears short, thick, covered with fine, glossy hair. Horns small, neatly curved, light yellow color; 
better without any horns. Neck short, arched in under and on top, the base very strong. Shoulders 
wide, deep, rounded, breast bone projecting forward of front limb. Back straight, wide, ribs extending 
out horizontal from spinal column, rounding in line with shoulders, extending close back to hips. 
Loins strong, wide. Hips wide, long. Thighs wide, thick flesh extending close down to hock joints. 
Limbs short, bone heavy, joints smooth and flat, the contour of, to show perpendicular lines from 
elbow and stifle joints to center of hoofs, and from base of tail to center of a straight line drawn 
horizontally from caps of hock joints, when standing erect on limbs. Hoofs deep, thin, white; texture 
tough and elastic. Fleece smooth, even, dense, soft to the touch. Staple three to five inches, fibres- 
glossy, crimped. Quality XX, XXX or above, fine. Quantity, Rams 15 to 25 lbs., ewes 10 to 15 lbs.,, 
unwashed wool, covering entire body with even length and grade, except parts injuring thrift and 
comfort of sheep, entirely free from gum and hair. Oil very fluid, white or nearly so, enough to 
preserve the wool and rising to outer ends of fibres. Size of full grown rams 200 lbs., and ewes 150 
lbs. Internal organs strong. Mature early, 2^ years." 

The following Scale of Points — also adopted by the Association — should be used 
in connection with above description: 

Skin 4 Forward 49' 

Head 4 Hoofs 4 

Nose 3 Smoothness of fleei. e 6 

Ears 3 Staple 4 

Horns 3 Quality of fletce 6 

Neck 4 Quantity of flt-ece 6 

Shoulders 5 Covering 8 

Back 8 Oil 5 

Loins 3 Size of animal 5 

Hips o Internal organs 4 

Thighs 4 Maturity 3 



Perfection 100 



Legs 5 

Forward 49 

Dickinson Merinos are now favorably known in many parts of the United States. 
The Record Association was organized in May, 1884. Mr. H. G. McDowell, son of 
James McDowell, is the present active and efficient Secretary. 

The Black Tops: 
This family, if the claims of its breeders are correct, fin-nishes a good example 
of change wrought by slow, steady purpose in one direction — the Black-Top Merinos 



190 MERINOS. 

being placed before the public as lineal descendants of the Dickinsons — just described 
— and through them of the original Humphreys importation in 1802. Referring to 
preceding topic, will be found the Dickinson breeders' claim, that W. R. Dickinson 
never sold any of his Humphreys sheep. If this can be proven, it will leave 
the Black-Tops with a broken link in their chain of genealogy. We do not under- 
take to decide the case, but give both statements, and invite the reader to draw his 
own conclusions, or investigate further on his own responsibility. 

Concerning the change, or, as the breeders of Black-Tops have it — improvement 
in these sheep of Dickinson descent, we may say : In 1821, Wm. Berry, of Washington 
County, Pa., purchased a choice ram and a number of ewes from W. R. Dickinson's 
flock; and according to Vol. I of the Black-Top Register, Mr. Berry was assured 
and satisfied that these sheep were directly descended from the original Humphreys' im- 
portation made in 1802. Without discussing this question further, it is certain that Mr. 
Berry strictly carried out his purpose to breed within the flock and make all improve- 
ment by selection and care. In 1847 he rented his farm and sold his flock to his two 
sons — William and Matthew — himself moving to Canonsburg, Pa., where he remained 
until his death, Dec. 26th, 1866. In the experience of both Mr. Berry and his sons, 
it was noticed that the sheep with darkest "tops" were the largest and made the 
best records in shearing. They also found that the darker sheep were more hardy, 
and better able to endure the rough winter weather of that latitude than were those 
of lighter cast. It is believed that Mr. Berry was the first to apply the name "Black- 
Tops," and that he did so to distinguish them from the light colored, delicate Saxon 
Merinos, which, for a time, were bred in the vicinity. 

By permission of the Secretary, W. G. Berry, of Houstonville, Pa., we make the 
following authoritative extracts from Vol. I of the Black-Top Spanish Merino Sheep 
Register. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

" Constitution, indicated by physical development ; deep and large in the breast and through the 
heart; broad back: very heavy square quarters; skin of fine texture, and pinkish in color; expansive 
nostril; brilliant eye; healthful countenance; and good feeders. 

" In good condition, with fleece of five months growth, full grown rams should weigh not less than 
175 pounds, and ewes not less than 125 pounds. 

" Head carried well up; standing squarely on feet and legs; well rounded body, showing in all 
points symmetry of form; body throughout heavy boned, well proportioned in length; smooth joints, 
ribs starting horizontally from the back bone, and well around to breast bone; breast bone, wide, 
strong and prominent in front; strong, straight, and heavy back bone; heavy, muscular quarters; 
shoulders broad and flat; muscles firm and heavy, and body entirely free from folds. There may be 
a slight throatiness, and a small dewlap — smaller on the ewes than on the rams. 

" The head should be wide, with clear bright eyes and prominent ears. Ewes should give no 
appearance of horns, while upon the rams, the horns should be well developed, clear in color, and 
symmetrically curved. 

" Neck very heavy, especially with the rams, deepening towards the shoulder. Legs medium in 
length, set well apart, with well shaped, medium sized feet. The body and legs to the knees, covered 
with medium or fine wool, extending well forward between the eyes. Fleece should be compact, but 
should open freely — showing a length (at twelve months growth) of not less than three inches, and 
the oil (yolk) must be white, flowing freely from skin to surface, and form on the exterior a uniform 
dark coating." 



MICIUNOS. U)l 

Tlic followiun' >l;iiul;iril Stall.' (if I'oint-- should lie umhI In ciiiUKi.ii(in w illi ihe 

above : 

" Constitution 15 Forward 64 

Size 12 Covering 8 

General appearance 3 Quality of fleece 7 

Body 15 Density of fleece 7 

I lead 5 Length of staple 8 

Neck 4 Oil 

Legs and feet 10 

'' IVrfcction 100" 

Forward 04 

7'//c Delaines : 

Tlic iirij^in (if this famiU is of rcci'iit dale, Miul has j^idwii (nil of a rdiiliiiiu-d 
and steady demand for what is known as Delaine wools. Just what eunstitntes De- 
laine wool is rather hard to detnie, luil Ihe process of mainifaclure rcqtiircs combing; 
instead of carding — the fibres beinj;; laid parallel with each other, and spim at full 
length in the yarn. To Mr. E. R. Miidgc, of Hoston, Mass. — now deceased — belongs 
most of the credit for foimding this branch of textile indnstry, and to the breeders, 
who aimed to supply the demand thus created \\ i- tinn lo lind the origin of the 
Delaine Merino Sheep. It is claimed that no dii]) inbreeding has been practiced, 
and that the sheep are, therefore, free from all laini of weakness so frequently traced 
to incestuous breeding. On the other band it is slaU-d, that nothing but the pm-est 
Merino blood has ever been introduced, and lo i\plain Ihe seeming contradiction, we- 
may say in brief, that the Delaine Merino has been produced by a careful system of 
crossing the pure Spanish with the American Hlack-Top Merino. The original .Span- 
ish foimdation for the Delaines was largely made up of sheep descended from an 
importation made in 1820, by Richard W. Meade — at that time Minister to Spain. 
These sheep were first stationed near Philadelphia, but were afterwards sent to Wash- 
ington County, Pa., w here their choicest descendants have since been bred. 

DKSCKIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

The fieece presents a uniformly smooth surface, dark on the outer end of wooU 
but a "black-top" — caused by excess or sticky character of yolk, and consecitient 
clogging up with dirt to form an outer crust — is considered a great objection. The 
natm-al oil or yolk should be freely liquid, not gummy, showing an even w bite 
color, and rising to the top of the dense, fine covering. The staple (fibre) is of good 
length, averaging from tw o and a-half to three inches in wool of one year's growth, 
covering the body and legs to Ihe knees. The animal is of good size, mature ram* 
weighing about 150 pounds, antl ewes about 100 pounds — with a vigorous constitu- 
tion and a carcass for mutton, which, in a fine wool sheep, is surprising. To illustrate 
their mutton capacity, we clip the following from Ihe issue of April, 1S84, National 
Stockman, published at East Liberty, -Pa. : 

" Among the sheep sold here this week, there was a car-load of fine wool wethers, something^ 
under three years old, averaging 114|^ pounds. They were of the Delaine Merino family, were 
raised and fed by James McClelland, of Canonsburg, Pa., and brought seven cents per pound, a price 
which shows that they found high favor among the butchers." 



192 




MERINOS HORNED DORSETS. 



193 



The following Scale of" Points, condciisccl from the National Delaine Merino 
Register^ has been adopted by the Association, and is now in use by its members: 

Constitution 10 Forward 54 

Heavy round heart <) Foot 10 

Neck <) Length of staple 8 

Dewlap 5 Density of fleece 8 

Back 8 Darkish cast on to() 5 

Ribs 5 Opening up white 5 

Legs Good flow of white oil 5 

Bone 8 Good crimp in staple 5 

Forward 54 Perfection 100 

The Delaines, as well as the Black-Tops and Dickinsons (see illustrations), are 
smooth, no folds, only a fulness at the throat being permitted. Their breeders make 
no pretense of "line-pure" descent from a single sheep or a single flock, but on the 
contrary, are rather proud of having secured in combination, the blood of the best (in 
their judgment) flocks in America and Spain. 



CHAPTER XlilV. 



HORNED DORSETS. 



As far back as we have any record this breed of sheep has existed in the shire of 
Dorset, England. From the fact that the old Dorset resembled the old Spanish 
Merino, it has been thought that the former may have descended from the latter; the 
resemblance, however, was only in form and external appearance — the properties of 
the two breeds being entirely different. In this connection we quote Professor Low 
(1842): 

"While the Merinos are bad nurses the Dorsets are the most productive of milk of any of our 
races of sheep. In the broad loins of this race, we have the same external character which, in the 
case of the cow, indicates the faculty of yielding abundant milk. The remarkable fecundity of these 
sheep has given rise to the supposition that they are derived from some warmer country where the 
females bring forth twice in the year. We have, however, no evidence of this fact, and may accord- 
ingly believe that the property is one which is due to situation, although the peculiar circumstances, 
whether of climate or food, which gave rise to it may escape our observation." 

The breed is not well known in America, but there are several breeders of con- 
siderable prominence, both in the United States and Canada; and, during the last five 
or six years, they have pushed forward the Dorsets with great success. We do not 
know of any Dorsets in the South, but see no reason why they would not prove of 
value, especially in the higher portions of the Texas "Panhandle" region. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color of face and legs, white; head fine, rather long, and supplied with horns in 



194 



HORNED DORSETS. 




ii<)nxi:i) i)()r<siiTsciiK\ioTs. 195 

both male and female; nose and lips, black. The shoulders are low but broad; chest 
deep with low brisket; back straight, and loins unusually broad and strong. The bone 
is light, and the legs rather long, but the general make up indicates good breeding and 
hardiness. In size they are above medium — fat two-year-old wethers reaching as high 
as 230 to 250 lbs., and mature breeding rams weighing 175 to 200 lbs. The fleece is 
short, of above medium fineness, and high-class flocks yield an average clip of six to 
eight pounds. The peculiar characteristics which distinguish the Dorsets from all 
other sheep are their early and prolific breeding, rapidity of fattening and early 
maturity. They surpass all other breeds in general fecundity — as a rule breeding 
twice a year, and frequently bearing twins and triplets. For the production of early 
market lambs no sheep can rival them, unless it be the cross-bred produce of South- 
down rams on Dorset ewes, which have been most popular with English breeders. 

The illustration represents a group from Mr. Fuller's excellent flock, Hamilton, 
Ontario, Canada. 



CHAPTER XLV. 



CHEVIOTS, 

The Cheviot breed of sheep had its origin in the Cheviot hills or mountains, 
situated in the north of England and extending into Scotland. The hills are mostly 
conical, and are separated by very narrow valleys. On one side of the range of moun- 
tains lies the "heather" country, the home of the old Black Faced Heath Breed — and 
on the other is a rich cultivated tract. 

This district, according to Low, " has produced from time immemorial a race of 
sheep entirely distinct in its characters from the wild heath breed of the elevated moors 
adjoining." 

There is a fanciful sort of tradition to the effect that at the time of the attempted 
invasion by the Spanish Armada (1588), and the consequent wreck of the formidable 
fleet upon the stormy British coast, some of the sheep, with which the ships were pro- 
vided, swam ashore and escaped to the Cheviot Hills where they have since bred and 
multiplied. 

Cheviot sheep have gradually extended over the entire mountainous portion of 
Scotland ; and, during the past century, have been greatly improved by a class of 
breeders second to none in the world. 

They were imported to America about 1840, but have been in only a few locali- 
ties — mainly in the State of New York — and are still comparatively unknown. 

We are not aware that any Cheviot sheep can be found in the Gulf States at 
present writing; nor is it probable that they will ever be extensively introduced. 

DESCRIPTIOX AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color of face and legs, white — rarely tinted or speckled; the head is of good 
size, strictly hornless; face broad, and especially full at forehead; ears wide apart and 



196 



CHE\'IOTS. 







CHEVIOTS SOUTHUOUNS. 197 

of good size; eyes prominent and lively^all combining to make up a peculiarly intel- 
ligent, strong-featured expression, well suited to an independent mountain breed. The 
shoulders are rather light, as in all mountain breeds of sheep; but the body is long, 
deep, and remarkably well filled at the loin and quarters. The fleece is short and of 
medium fineness, and makes up the great bulk of the genuine Scotch tweeds and 
Cheviot cloths. 

As comjiared with other breeds in respect to fleece they do not show to advan- 
tage, since their wool is too coarse for carding and too short for combing; and high- 
class flocks yield an annual clip of not over three to five pounds per head. 

In size the Cheviots rank as medium; two year old wethers can be made to weigh 
180 to 200 lbs., and breeding rams at maturity should scale about 175 lbs. They 
fatten quickly on root-crops, after pasture, without grain. The ewes are good 
mothers, although not so prolific as some other breeds, and the lambs very hardy. 

For western and northern ranges, especially those in the mountainous regions of 
Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, the Cheviot would prove an excellent breed. 

The pure bloods are, perhaps, not so valuable, but they furnish an admirable 
basis for crossing with Cotswold and Leicester rams, increasing thereby, length of 
staple and size of carcass, while retaining the hardy mountain instincts of the Cheviot 
race. 



CHAPTER XLVI. 



SOUTHDOWNS. 

The Southdown heads the list of middle-wool mutton sheep; both from its 
acknowledged superiority, and from the fact that nearly, if not quite, all of the other 
"Downs" are indebted to it for much of their present excellence. The breed takes 
its name from the slopes of the Chalk Hills of England, called "Downs." 

Referring to this place of their origin. Professor Low (1842) says: 

"The Scotch Downs of Sussex consist of a range of low chalky hills, are five or six miles in 
breadth, stretching along the coast upwards of sixty miles, and passing into the chalky lands of Hants 
on the west. In contact with this range of hills is a tract of low cultivated ground, which is usually 
connected with the Down farms, although many of the latter have no vale or flat land attached. The 
herbage of these hills is short, but well adapted for the keeping of sheep, of which vast numbers 
have, in every known period, occupied the pastures. Whilst the dryness of the air, the moderate 
elevation of the land, and consequent mildness of the climate, are all eminently favorable to the 
rearing of a race of Downs or mountain sheep, the contact of the cultivated country affords the 
means of supplying artificial food. It is this combination of favorable circumstances which has 
rendered these calcareous hills capable of supporting a greater number of sheep than, perhaps, anv 
tract of similar fertility in the country, and has afforded the means to the breeders of applying the 
resources of artificial feeding to their improvement. 

" The original breed of the Sussex Downs was not superior to that of many other districts of 
the chalk formation ; but the means of supplying the animal with artificial food, which the geograph- 
ical situation of this long and narrow chain of hills in contact with the richer countrv afforded, aided 



198 SOUTHDOWNS. 

the breeder in applying to the improvement of the race a system of breeding and feeding which has 
rendered the Southdown breed the most esteemed in the countries suited to it, of all the short-wooled 
sheep of England." 

From this it will be seen that the Southdown was a natural outgrowth of circum- 
stances and really "native" to the locality from which it takes its name. 

Improvement of the breed began about 1775-80, but received its greatest impulse 
about the beginning of the present century, since which time it has been constantly 
active and progressive. 

To Mr. John Ellman of theGlynde farm near Lewis, in Sussexshire, is univer- 
sally accorded first place among the improvers of Southdowns. 

He began about 1780 and devoted the remainder of his life — some 52 years — to 
careful, unselfish work in advancing his favorite breed of sheep. 

While Mr. Bakewell was fully his equal in point of skill as a breeder, perhaps 
his superior, he was inclined to keep his methods closely concealed, incurring thereby 
a rather general disfavor. Mr. Ellman, on the other hand, freely communicated the 
results of his experiments, and showed himself to be entirely free from all illiberal 
prejudice. His aim was to produce a sheep which should combine the points most 
desirable, in his judgment, for the locality in which he lived; and with him it was — first, 
health and constitution; second, fixedness of type. He, therefore, did not in-breed so 
closely as did Bakewell, but purchased freely from his contemporaries in order to 
infuse fresh blood and retain the vigor of his flock. 

Since Mr. EUman's death (1832), there have been many careful breeders to 
carry forward the work, and keep up the popularity and excellence of the Southdown 
breed, among them Mr. Jonas Webb, of Suffolk, who may be called his immediate 
successor. 

The Southdown, next to the Merino, is the most widely known of all the breeds 
of sheep at present in the United States; and in the Western and Middle States finds 
its greatest popularity. 

In the South the Merino has the preference, but many Southdowns are being 
shipped in for use in grading up on flocks of Merino basis, and are reported to accli- 
mate readily and produce a desirable grade. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color of face and legs a uniform tint of brown, gray or mouse (formerly speckled 
faces were admitted, but later breeders aim to exclude all except the colors mentioned) ; 
head medium in size, hornless, forehead and cheeks well covered with wool; ears 
rather small, wide apart and lively; eyes bright and full; neck short, fine at head, but 
well set on to broad full shoulders. The chest is wide and deep; back and loin broad; 
ribs well arched ; hips wide and close to floating ribs; thigh fleshed low down, and 
legs fine-boned, short, and wooled to knee and hock. The belly is straight and well 
covered with wool; general appearance smooth^^with no trace of coarseness — spirited 
and attractive. 

The fleece is white, compact, moderately long and close, and carrying some yolk. 
They are fair, not heavy, shearers — running some four to six or seven pounds per 
fleece in high-class flocks; but their mutton is unexcelled, and has always commanded 
the top of the English market. 



SOUTHDOWNS. 



199 




200 SOUTHDOWNS SHROPSHIRES. 

The ewes are prolific, make excellent mothers, and their lambs are uniformly 
hardy and vigorous. 

In size they are above medium — two year old fat wethers weighing as high as 
200 to 225 lbs., and mature breeding rams about 170 to 190 lbs. 

Where a sheep is wanted to produce mutton as a prime object, with wool as a 
secondary, but if possible paying accompaniment, we know of no breed which more 
completely fills the requirements than this. 

The following Scale of Points — to be used with description — for judging at fairs, 
is clipped from the American Southdown Record, Mr. S. E. Prather of Springfield, 
111., Secretary : 

Head 5 Forward 47 

Lips 1 Hips 6 

Ears 2 Thighs 6 

Eyes 3 Legs 3 

Face 3 Fore Legs 2 

Neck 4 Hind Legs 2 

Shoulders 5 Belly 5 

Breast 5 Fleece 12 

Back and Loin 7 Form 9 

Ribs 6 General appearance 8 

Rump 6 — 

— Perfection 100 

Forward 47 

The illustration, of a group from Mr. Harvey's flock, fairly represents the breed 
in all particulars. 



CHAPTER XliVII. 



SHROPSHIRES. 



This breed — long and favorably known in England — is, in America, compara- 
tively new. The first importation of any note was made in 1855, Virginia claiming 
the honor, but it is only within the last eight or ten years that Shropshire Sheep have 
attracted any marked attention from breeders on this side of the Atlantic. 

The origin of the breed may be traced almost directly to the polled sheep of 
Cannock Heath, and the old black, or spotted faced breed of Morfe Common. In 
Volume XVI, Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society, there is given this fragment 
of a report from the Bristol Wool Society (1792) regarding the breed last referred to: 

"On Morfe Common, near Bridgnorth, there are about 10,000 sheep, kept during the summer 
months, which produce wool of a superior quality. They are considered a native breed, are black 
faced or brown, or spotted faced horned sheep, little subject to either rot or scab." 



SlIKOI'SIIIRES. 



201 




202 SHROPSHIRES. 

The sheep of Cannock Heath were hornless with grayish faces and legs, and are 
described by Youatt as attaining great weight. From these two hardy native breeds, 
the Shropshire has been gradually improved, — whether within itself or by further out- 
crossing with other breeds is difficult to determine, — until it stands at least the acknowl- 
edged rival of any of our modern middle-wool breeds. 

From Volume I, of the American Shropshire Record, we quote: 

" In England, the turning point witli Shropstiire sheep was in the Royal Show Yard at Glouces- 
ter, in 1853, when their superiority was recognized. * * * * In the year 1859, the breed was 
awarded a place on the prize sheet of the Royal Agricultural Society, as a recognized and distinct 
breed, at which time 193 Shropshires were exhibited with marked success." 

In America, they have not hidden their light under a bushel by any means. In 
1884, at the Chicago Fat Stock Show, 

" A Shropshire took first prize in the class between two and three years old — competing with 
Hampshires and Oxfords; sweepstakes for best sheep any breed between two and three years; grand 
sweepstakes, as best sheep any age and an^ breed; heaviest fat sheep and best dressed carcass." 

(From an address by J. L. Stone, before the Pennsylvania Board of Agriculture, 
June 17, 1886.) 

description: 

The face is dark grayish or brown, wool coming well down to the eyes, and with 
no trace of horns. The legs are darker than face — almost black; head longer than in 
the Southdown and ears larger, while the wool is close set, finer and longer in staple. 
In addition to this brief outline, we give place to the complete description of a typical 
animal, adopted in connection with Scale of Points by the American Shropshire Asso- 
ciation (Mortimer Levering of Lafayette, Ind., Secretary), and appearing in Volume I 
of the American Shropshire Record: 

" Constitution and quality, indicated by the form of body ; deep and large in breast and through 
the heart; back wide, straight, and well covered with lean meat or muscle; wide and full in the thigh; 
deep in flank; skin thick but soft and of a pink color; prominent, brilliant eyes and healthful coun- 
tenance. 

" In fair condition when fully matured, rams should weigh not less than 225 pounds, and ewes 
not less than 175 pounds. 

"General appearance and character: Good carriage; head well up; elastic movement, showing 
great symmetry of form and uniformity of character throughout. 

" Body, well proportioned, medium bones, great scale and length, well finished hind-quarters, 
thick back and loins, twist deep and full, standing with legs well placed outside, breast wide and 
extending well forward. 

" Head short and broad; wide between the ears and between the eyes; short from top of head to 
tip of nose; ears short, of medium size; eyes expressive; head should be well covered with wool to a 
point even with the eyes, without any appearance of horns; color of face, dark brown. 

"Neck — Medium length, good bone and muscular development; and especially with the rams, 
heavier toward the shoulders, well set high up, and rising from that point to the back of the head. 

"Legs — Broad, short, straight, well set apart, well shaped, color dark brown, and well wooled to 
the knees. 

"Body, head, belly and legs to knees well covered with fleece of even length and quality; 
scrotum of rams well covered with wool. 

" Wool medium, such as is known in our markets as 'medium delaine' and 'half-combing wool,' 
strong, fine, lustrous fibre, without tendency to mat or felt together, and at one year's growth not less 
than three and one-half inches in length." 



SIIUOPSIIIHKS IIAMPSIIIltlCS. 



•^^ys 



Scale of Points for Sliropshires, to lie used in connection with above description: 



Constitution 

Size 

General appearance . 

Body 

Head 



2') Forward 70 

10 Neck r> 

10 Legs and Feet 10 

15 Fleece 10 

10 Quality of Wool 5 



Forward 70 Perfection 100 

The Shropshires are especially fitted, by conditions under which they have beerii 
reared, for moist or even wet localities. That they will do remarkably well on the 
dry range of the Southwest we are constrained to doubt, but this much is unquestioned:: 
Shropshire rams for use in grading up the middle wools already on the range, are giv- 
ing satisfaction. What more could be asked? The engraving represents a group of.' 
noted prize-winners from the Fairview Farm, Woodville, Ontario. 



CHAPTER XLVIII. 



HAMPSHIRES. 



This breed originated in the Chalks of Hampshire, England, from which locality 
it takes its name. It is supposed to be the result of mixing the blood of the old Wilt- 
shire and native, or old Hampshire sheep, with the Southdown. It is stated, also, that 
the Cotswold, and possibly the Leicester, may have had some place in the make-up of 
the modern Hampshire breed, but this is disputed by those who may be called good 
authority. In this connection we give place to the following interesting communica- 




HAMPSHIRE RAM, CYCLONE. 

Inijiorted by James Wood, Mt. Kisco, Xew York. 



204 



HAMPSIIIRES. 



tion from that veteran breeder and importer of Hampshires, Mr. James Wood, Mount 
Kisco, N. Y.: 

"The statements made by a number of writers on Hampshires, that they carry Cotswold and 
perhaps Leicester blood, are all based upon a supposition of Spooner in a paper on ' Cross-Breeding,' 
published in the Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society in 1859, which I have. In the main, it is 
an admirable paper. He does not say it is a fact, or that there is sufficient evidence to prove it, but he 
supposes there may have been an infusion of such blood. 

"All independent authorities are against it. Youatt is the oldest author who mentions Hamp- 
shires, and he states they had their origin in the original Wiltshire and Berkshire sheep crossed with 
the Southdown. Prof. Wilson — a very high authority — states that no other blood was used. John 
Coleman, Professor in the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, and late editor of The Field, 
denies the Cotswold theory. Squarey, in Coleman's ' Sheep of Great Britain,' says only the old 
Chalk breeds and Southdowns were used. Armitage, in 'The Sheep,' makes no mention of Cots- 
wold blood or Leicester. Scott, in 'The Practice of Sheep Farming,' — the last English book on 
sheep — makes no mention of such blood. Alexander Macdonald, in the Mark Lane Express of 
May 7th, 1888, gives their origin ' from the crossing of Wilts and Hants sheep, embellished by an 
infusion of Southdown blood.' 

" Every author, who has not copied from Spooner, is clear upon this point. I consider the mat- 
ter to be of considerable importance, as upon the fact of the local origin of the breed rests the explana- 
tion of the remarkable prepotency of the Hampshire, when used in cross-breeding. Spooner states 
that they have extraordinary power in cross-breeding, and this is illustrated by the fact that the 
prizes for cross-bred sheep at the great English shows, almost always go to sheep with a Hampshire 
parentage." 




HAMPSHIRE RAM, BARON. 

One year old; imported hy James Wood, Mt. Kisco, N. Y. 



llAMrSlllltKS. 



205 




HAMPSHIRE EWES. 

CO, N. \'. (By coiirtrsy of " Country Gmthman;' Albany, JV. 1'. 



Mr. Wood further states that the average weight of breeding rams in his own 
flock, and others with which he is famiUar, might be safely placed at 250 to 275 lbs., 
and that his breeding ewes shear an average clip of seven to eight pounds. 

The Hampshire is the largest of the Downs families proper, and has the Down 
characteristics — dark face and legs, and no horns. 

Although the breed has been known since near the beginning of the present cen- 
tury, it has been only of late years that it has taken a prominent place in public favor. 
Introduction into the United States occurred some time previous to the Civil War, 
and the largest and finest flocks were found in the South. During the war, however, 
(1860-65) the great bulk of the Hampshire Down flocks in the South were destroyed, 
and the breed practically exterminated in this section. Within the past decade they 
have been quite extensively imported to various parts of the South and Southwest, 
and are said to surpass their progenitors — the Southdowns — in the readiness with which 
they acclimate and adapt themselves to our peculiar conditions. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color of face and legs, dark brown — almost black; the ears are of good size, and 
more pointed than those of the Southdowns; the head is large and the nose decidedly 
Roman; the back is straight and broader than either the Southdown or Shropshire. 
As already noted, it is the largest of the Downs families proper, about equaling the 
Oxfordshire (which latter, although classed as a Down, should be placed in a class 
intermediate between Downs and Longwools) — fat two-year-old wethers weighing 



206 IIAMPSHIRES OXFORDSIURES. 

as high as 275 to 300 pounds, and mature breeding rams scaling an average say 
between 200 and 225 pounds. Although heavier than Shropshires, they are hardly so 
symmetrical, being longer in the legs and somewhat lighter underneath, but the back 
at the loin is remarkably padded with an excellent quality of mutton. The fleece is 
longer than that of the Southdown, and of a quality somewhat coarser; but as a rule, 
considering the greater size of the breed, the Hampshire Downs do not shear so heavy 
A fleece; an average clip for high class flocks might be placed at five to seven pounds. 
The prominent characteristic of the Hampshire breed lies in the remarkable pre- 
cocity of the lambs, which frequently increase from 15 or 16 pounds at birth to 140 or 
150 pounds at seven or eight months; and their excellence in this respect has led to 
the use of Hampshire rams in producing early lambs for city market. 



CHAPTER XLIX. 



OXFORDSHIRES. 

The Oxfords should stand between the "Downs" and " Longwools" in their 
cl.issification, the tendency being more toward the latter. They originated about 1830 
— by crossing the improved Cotswold with the Hampshire; probably to some small 
extent, the Southdown was used in the mixture, but the two breeds first mentioned 
may be looked upon as the parent stock. The wool is more marked by the Cotswold's 
combing qualit}', while the dark faces and legs show unmistakable evidence of the 
Hampshire blood. 

The Oxfordshire breed first came into public notice about 1850 to 1860, during 
which time the best flocks were found in the shire of Oxford. Since that date, their 
excellent qualities have given them a foothold in almost every county of England. 
In America, they are not so widely known as some other breeds, but a Register has 
been established, and the breed has been pushed forward rapidly. We understand, 
also, a number of Oxfords ha.ve been brought to the Southwest, and that they are 
giving excellent satisfaction. 

description: 

Color of face and legs dark brown with a grayish tinge inclining to drab. Head 
medium to large, with a tuft of wool at the forehead standing out more from the head 
and not so long, as in the Cotswold; the forehead is very broad and full; ears set low 
and well back; eyes large, and muzzle finely pointed. The fleece is not so long as 
that of the Cotswold — being about five to seven inches — but is closer and finer, with 
much the same tendency to curl, and stands well out from the body. 

The following Scale of Points has been adopted by the Oxford Down Record 
Association: 



OXI'ORDSHIltKS. 



'iOl 








208 OXFORDSHIRES COTSWOLDS. 

Head 8 Forward 47 

Face 4 Fore-flank 5 

Nostrils 1 Back and Loin 12 

Eyes 2 Belly 3 

Ears 4 Quarters 8 

Collar 6 Hock 2 

Shoulder 8 Twist or junction 6 

Fore-legs 4 Fleece 17 

Breast 10 — 

— Perfection 100 

Forward 47 

The Oxfordshire is a well made, round bodied, short legged, mutton and wool- 
combined sheep. In size it about equals the Hampshire — an average weight for 
mature breeding rams might be placed between 200 and 225 pounds, while two-year- 
old fat wethers are frequently found weighing upwards of 275 to 300 lbs. The 
Oxford is said to stand herding upon wet or spongy range better than any other breed 
of sheep, and from the fact that its original home at the base of the Cotswold Hills 
was just such a wet, springy locality, we are inclined to credit the statement. 

We are pleased to present the excellent portrait from life of the ram Freeland, 
220, kindly furnished us by Mr. W. A. Shafor, of Middletown, Ohio, a breeder of 
Oxfords, and secretary of the American Oxford Down Record, and to whom we are 
indebted for many favors. Freeland was bred by Mr. Milton Druce, of Fyfield, 
England, and at two years of age — when imported by T. S. Cooper of Coopersburg, 
Pa.— weighed 425 lbs. 



CHAPTER L. 



COTSWOLDS. 

The Cotswold breed is very old and firmly fixed in its characteristics. It is said 
to have been introduced into England from Spain in the Twelfth Century; the state- 
ment is only a supposition, however, probably based on the fact that Spain possesses a 
breed of Longwools not unlike the old unimproved Cotswolds. Certain it is that in 
the Thirteenth Century, Cotswold wool was known and valued in England and found 
a place as such in wool quotations. In 1467, permission was granted as a Royal Favor 
by the King, Henry IV, to export some of these sheep to Spain, a fact which illus- 
trates the high favor Cotswolds had obtained at that date. 

Improvement of the breed was mainlj' effected after Bakewell's time, by using 
the Leicester as a cross; this gave greater aptitude to fatten, smoothness, quality and 
appearance, without injuring the hardy constitution of the old Cotswold breed. In 
America the breed has become widely known, and is in general favor as a combined 
wool and mutton sheep. 



COTSWOLDS. 



209 




110 COTSWOLDS. 

Probably the first large importation was made about 1840, at which time some 70 
or 80 head were brought over; since that date numerous flocks have been founded, 
and the original excellence of imported animals has been fully sustained by American 
breeders. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color of face and legs, white or light grayish; fleece (combing) eight to ten 
inches long, pure white, and weighing from 10 to 16 pounds for an average clip. In 
size the Cotswold ranks among the large breeds, ranging from 250 to 375 pounds, 
and occasionally a specimen dressing over 300 pounds. The head is strong and large, 
witJi a somewhat " Roman" nose, no horns, and a characteristic forelock of long 
curling ■wool hanging over the forehead ; the back is broad and flat, and the wool 
falls away, naturally parted, from the center: the legs are of medium length, with 
rather heavy bone, but clean and trim withal, and the feet are sound and said to be 
not subject to foot diseases. The Cotswolds are large, handsome, long-wooled sheep 
— prime for mutton and furnishing an excellent quality of combing wool. They 
have been extensively used in crosses and have already figured in the origin of several 
well-known breeds. They are not so prolific as some other varieties, but the ewes 
are good mothers and the flock will thrive with ordinary management. 

The following Scale of Points, to be used in connection ^vith description given, 
is taken from Volume III of the American Cotswold Record (George Harding, 
Waukesha, Wis., Secretary): 

EWE. RAM 

8 Head 8 

4 Face 4 

1 Xostrils 1 

2 Eyes 2 

4 Ears 4 

5 Collar 6 

8 Shoulders 8 

4 Fore-Legs 4 

10 Breast 10 

4 Fore-Flank 5 

12 Back and Loin 12 

5 Belly 3 

8 Quarters 8 

2 Hock 2 

5 Twist 5 

18 Fleece 18 

100 Perfection 100 

The animals represented in illustrations are from the flock of T. L. ^Miller, 
Beecher, 111. Mr. Miller requests us to say, however, that he is not, now, breeding 
Cotswolds, his entire time lieing devoted to Hereford cattle. 



COTSWOI.DS. 



211 




212 LEICESTERS. 



CHAPTER LI. 



LEICESTERS. 

The improved Leicester is jjeculiarly the result of Mr. BakewelTs wonderful 
skill as a breeder, and its origin and improvement may be best studied by a short 
review of Bakewell's methods as employed in improving and fixing the type of the 
Leicester breed. Mr. Bakewell lived at Dishley in Leicestershire, England, and 
about 1750 began to apply himself to the improvement of sheep in his locality. His 
plan was to select from different flocks, without regard to size, the sheep which 
showed greatest aptitude to fatten with least appearance of excess of bone and offal, 
and he regarded the fleece as of secondary importance. 

From Youatt, "On Sheep," we quote: 

"The sort of sheep, therefore, which Mr. Bakewell selected were those possessed of the most 
perfect symmetry, with the greatest aptitude to fatten, and rather smaller in size than the sheep then 
generally bred. Having formed his stock from sheep so selected, he carefully attended to the pecu- 
liarities of the individuals from which he bred; and, it appears, did not object to breeding from near 
relatives, when, by so doing, he put together animals likel}' to produce a progeny possessing the 
characteristics that he wished to obtain. Mr. Bakewell has been supposed by some persons to have 
formed the New Leicester variety, by crossing different sorts of sheep; but there does not appear to 
be any reason for believing this; and the circumstance of the New Leicesters varying in their appear- 
ance and qualities so much as they do from the other varieties of long-wooled sheep, can by no means 
be considered as proving that such was the system which he adopted." 

It has been stated, however, that Mr. Bakewell used sheep of six or seven differ- 
ent breeds, and that at one time, a magnificent black ram was found hidden away in 
a pen at his place. We are inclined to believe that the general reticence as to his 
methods — amounting almost to apparent selfishness — which he observed, led to a 
great deal of unwarranted suspicion and surmising. The account given by Youatt 
seems more reasonable, and especially so, since it is a now well-known principle of 
breeding, that judicious selection, combined with proper care, of breeding animalsj 
may — without admixture of other blood — entirely change the appearance and char- 
acter of a breed. 

Having thus far established his flock, Mr. Bakewell pursued the plan of hiring 
out rams to the neighboring breeders — a plan, by the way, which was beneficial to 
himself in permitting a wider range for selection of his breeding stock, and to the 
farmers, by permitting a change of rams at minimum expense — and in this way con- 
tinued until the Leicester breed was firmly fixed, both in character and popularity. 
Whatever may be said of Mr. Bakewell's selfish reserve regarding his plan of breed- 
ing, it cannot be denied that he has done great good in improving the modern breeds 
of sheep — a statement more easily believed when we realize that the New or Im- 
proved Leicester has had much to do in improving nearly all of the modern mutton 
breeds. 

In America the Leicesters have not been extensively bred or advertised, although 
in Canada thej' are much better known and appreciated than in the United States. 



LEICKSTERS. 



213 




214 



LEICESTERS. 




LEICESTERS LINCOLNS. 215 

The first importation of which we have any record was made by Christopher Dunn, 
of Albany, N. Y., in 1812, and there are, perhaps, not over a score of breeders — on 
anything like an extensive scale — in the United States to-day, and none, at least to 
our knowledge, in the South. An American Leicester Breeders' Association has 
recently been organized, with A. |. 'rcnipie, of Cameron, 111., Secretary. 

DMSC KII' riOX AM) t IIAIi Ai nciiisi K s: 

Color of face and legs, white; head small and clean, with luft of wool at foi-e- 
head (not so long as in case of Cotswold); the eyes are bright; ears of good size, 
placed well back; neck and shoulders s(|uaie and deep; back straight with deep car- 
cass; hind quarters not so full and scinaru as in the Cotswold, but fairly well padded, 
and legs clean and fine boned. Mr. W'ni. Rivers, a prominent breeder of both 
Leicesters and Southdowns in Canada, writes us under date July 2d, 1888, as follows: 

" The flesh [of the Leicester] is juicy, but of moderate quality, and is remarkable for the amount 
of outside fat it carries. They are not considered so hardy as other large breeds, and require shelter 
and good keep. We have found the ewes to be prolific and good mothers, but the young lambs 
require more attention than those of the .Southdown. Early maturity and aptitude to fatten are the 
principal characteristics of the breed." 

We mav add that some other breeders have not found the Leicesters prolific, and 
it is generally believed that prolifity is not one of the Leicesters' strong claims. 

The Leicester fleece is classed with the long wools (combing) — showing a staple 
of from six to ten inches, and high-class flocks shearing an average of eight or nine 
pounds. In size, they are among the large breeds — fat two-year-old wethers weighing 
from 230 to 260 pounds, and mature breeding rams about 190 to 215 pounds. 

Of our illustrations the first represents a group of Canada bred sheep, engraved 
after a sketch from life; the sccoinl represents a ewe, bred and raised in England. 



CHAPTER LII. 



LINCOLXS. 



Like the Leicester, this breed is a very old one, made over. The old native sheep 
of Lincolnshire, England, was a big, gaunt, raw-boned animal — capable of feeding 
to enormous weight, but requiring a large amount of food, and a long time to accom- 
plish it. After Bakewell's time, Lincoln breeders began to use Leicester rains to 
improve their flocks, with the result of decreasing size and length of time required 
to mature ; increasing at same time quality of flesh and wool, and aptitude to fatten. 

So excellent was the basis and so great the improvement, that from 1860 (at 
which date the Lincoln breed was first given a separate class) to 1870, the majority 
of prizes for long-wooled sheep at English fairs, were taken by the Lincolns. In 
America they have long been bred in a small way, but there are as yet few breeders 
of any prominence. Canada leads the United .States in numbers of both Lincolns 



216 LIXCOLXS. 

and Leicesters, and most of the flocks now in the United States are descended from 
Canada bred or Canada imported stock. Geary Brothers have a fine flock of Lincolns 
at London, Ontario, Canada, and as they also have a farm at Brookfield, Mo. — where 
their large Aberdeen- Angus and English Shire interests are located — it is presumable 
that the Lincoln sheep will eventually become pretty well scattered and favorably 
known at least in Missouri. There are also flocks of some size in Minnesota, Ohio, 
Iowa, Wisconsin and Kansas. An American Association has been lately organized 
with L. C. Graham, of Cameron, 111., Secretary, and we may look for a rapid advance 
of Lincoln interests in the near future. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color of face and legs, white; head large and conspicuously free from wool at 
the forehead, which narrows somewhat sharply backward. The neck is of medium 
length, well set on to deep shoulders; back straight and full, but not so broad as in 
the Cotswold; legs rather long, firm, large boned; and general appearance, if not 
sprightly, at least strong and vigorous. The fleece is the longest of the long wools 
(combing), lustrous in character, and showing a staple from nine to twelve inches in 
length. High class flocks yield an annual clip of from nine to fifteen pounds the fleece. 

In size, the Lincolns are classed as the largest of modern breeds — fat two-year- 
old wethers frequently weighing upwards of 300 pounds, and mature breeding rams 
from 225 to 250 pounds. From Consul General Merritt's Report, dated at London, 
England, March 25th, 1884, we clip the following in reference to Lincoln sheep: 

"Being very broad, deep and compact in form, they generally outstrip the Cotswold in weight 
at the Smithfield Club Shows, and last December, the heaviest pen [three animals of a kind taken 
collectively] of sheep in the Agricultural Hall, was that of Mr. John Pears, which took first prize 
in the Ewe Class, the animals weighing nine cwt., two quarters, twenty-four pounds." 

An average of 3232-3 pounds per head. 

The Lincoln requires rich food and plenty of it, but when the proper conditions 
are given, it would be hard to find a more profitable sheep. For the South, we would 
hardly consider them valuable — although it must be admitted that the opinion is purely 
theoretical — since we have no knowledge of any Lincoln flocks in the Gulf States. 

The large illustration represents the ram Rescue, winner of nine first and four 
second prizes in England and Canada; and the two shearling ewes Daisy and Ermine, 
winners of the first and second prizes respectively at no less than five fairs or exhi- 
bitions on the Canada side: all imported in 1883, by Geary Bros., London, Ontario, 
Canada, and Brookfield, Mo., LT. S. A. 

The ram, Lord Preston, was bred and raised in England, and the engraving is 
the work of English artists. 



MNCOI.NS. 



217 




218 



LINCOLNS 




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u 

Ui 
QC 
Q. - 

Q .a 

O bii 

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< -ii 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SHEEP. 21',} 



CHAPTER Lin. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SHEEP. 

The selection of sheep — more than any other race of domestic animals — requires 
-strict regard to the purpose for which they are desired. In the Chapters under Part 
Third, we liave tried to give an accurate description of each of the modern breeds ; 
and have stated, in brief, the peculiar conditions under which each breed will give 
best returns. With these hints already before us, it is imnecessary to treat further of 
selection of breed, than to say: Each party must first determine the purpose for which 
he desires sheep — whether for mutton, or for wool, or for both combined — by a care- 
ful stud}' of his market facilities, both as to relative demand and price for mutton and 
wool, and also as to relative shipping charges in transporting either to market. Hav- 
ing once reached a decision on above, and after carefully studying the characteristics 
of the different breeds of sheep, and comparing the needs of each with the conditions 
of climate, soil and food which obtain in his immediate localitv, he is then readv to 
select iAe dreed with something like an intelligent judgment. 

The man who tries raising sheep because he thinks " sheep are not worth much 
any way, and if a few die it is no great loss," had best obtain more sense before 
investing his dollars. There is nothing in the live stock line which demands such 
close calculation, and such an intimate knowledge of the business, as the breeding and 
handling of sheep. It is a common saying that " /^e ram is half the Jlock^'' and it 
might be stated with equal force that the shepherd is the other half. It is really of 
great importance that the shepherd in charge of the flock, be a man who thoroughly 
understands his work, and such a man must be sought among those who have "grown 
up in the sheep pen." To graduate in the School of Experience requires many 
years, but the course when completed, is of incalculable value. It is not every man 
that can have the advantage of an early boyhood training in this direction, but, if a 
practical shepherd can be secured, he may still be able to handle sheep with reason- 
able success. 

In selecting service rams, the breeder should aim to secure perfection in shape 
and fleece, rather than excess of weight: an unusually large ram ma}' produce some 
very large lambs, but he will also produce very many small ones; while, on the other 
hand, a short-coupled, close made, smooth and even, but smaller ram will breed with 
much greater uniformity. The head of the stock ram should always be small in 
proportion to body; the legs firm but not large; the back and loin well padded 
with mutton, and covered densely with wool of even length, and the general appear- 
ance and style should be brisk and sprightly — a lazy looking " droopy" ram, as a rule, 
is not a strong breeder. Light, but strong, bones are much to be desired in a sheep, 
.and large bones are always objectionable. If the head is too large — unless bred to 



220 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SHEEP. 

ewes unusually broad and deep in the pelvic region — much trouble will result at lamb- 
ing time and considerable loss may be incurred. 

The ewe should be selected with reference to type of the breed to which she 
belongs; and, especially if bred to produce a certain result, should exhibit the peculiar 
characters which the breeder aims to secure. The primary jDurpose of the ewe being 
that of a mother, she should be chosen with especial reference to her capacity to carry 
and nourish the foetus, and produce milk for the lamb. Ewes are like cows — some 
aie "-ood milkers, but many are poor in this respect, and the external signs of milking 
excellence are much the same in both. A feminine appearance of the head; wide, 
open pelvis, and body deep at the flank, are marks which should always guide in 
selection of the ewe. 

We are not of opinion that the ordinary sheep farmer will have very great 
success with thoroughbred flocks of any breed; but we cannot urge too strongly 
the use of thoroughbred rams in grading up the hardy native or mixed-bred sheep 
common to different sections of the country. Mixed-bred flocks receive very 
kindly the blood of any of the improved breeds; and it is only a question of 
result desired as to what breed of ram should be selected. As a rule, wherever dry, 
scant rano-es are found — especially in warm climates — wool will be more profitable 
than mutton, and no sheep will succeed better than the Merino. Where land is more 
fertile, and food, in consequence, more abundant, a combination of mutton and wool 
may be found more profitable; for such conditions as are found in the upper portion 
of the Mississippi Valley, the "Middle-wools" have held the field against all others; 
and in the same section it has been found profitable, when flocks of short-wool basis 
were already present, to use compact rams of the long-wool breeds — combining, in 
this way, the hardy characters of the former, with the size and mutton capacity of the 
latter, and producing a middle-wool flock with least expenditure of time and money. 
To improve a flock requires, primarily, an accurate knowledge of the type 

desired the improver must carry, in his mind's eye, a picture of the sheep he wishes 

to produce, and every animal, of either sex, which he employs to accomplish his pur- 
pose, must be selected by comparison with this ideal type. He must remember that 
it takes time to accomplish much in the way of improvement, and that he cannot 
expect to secure in any two, or even three or four, animals all the points — in perfection 

which he wishes combined in one individual. Above all, let it be remembered, that 

the most careful and judicious selection may be set at naught by ignorant or careless 
manao-ement of the breeding flock; sheep are delicate property, and, while with 
breeders of any race of domestic animals, careful attention is a paying investment, 
with the breeder of sheep it becomes a most essential factor of success. 

The student will find it profitable to make a careful study of the actual methods 
employed by successful breeders in different parts of the country, and to this end we 
invite attention to the following letters: 

Shrof shires. 
"Fairview Farm, Woodville, Ont., July 35th, 1888. 

" Ewes, if at all low in condition, are prepared for turning to the ram, by feeding a little mixed 
grain^two-thirds oats and one-third peas— once daily. It is thought by many practical flock owners 
that ewes gaining in flesh when being served, give a larger number of twins. The bucks are usually 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SHEEP. 221 

let to them about the first of September for early lambs, and in October for a later lot. As my flocks 
are all pure-bred Shropshires, the object in having lambs dropped so early is to have them well for- 
ward for exhibiting in the fall, but it is also the most profitable way of raising market lambs, as about 
Easter good ones bring double the price of those marketed two months later. During the late fall, 
the flock is allowed into its winter quarters at night, but is not kept yarded until the snow covers 
the ground. 

"The winter feeding until lambing time is as follows: pea-straw from peas cut before being 
fuUv ripe is fed in the morning, three pounds cf turnips per ewe at noon, and a full feed of clover 
hay at night, with abundance of good, clean water. No grain is fed at this period except a small 
daily allowance of mixed oats and bran to thin ewes. During the winter, they are not closely housed, 
but have an open shed to shelter them from storms and wet, with yards attached for exercise, but 
separate from all other stock. 

" During our cold winter weather, warm quarters are necessary for lambing, but when the 
lambs are two weeks old, they are run into I he sheds and yards. After the lambs are dropped, the 
ewes are carefully tended, warm drinks of water, bran and a sprinkle of salt are given thrice daily, 
and clover hay. The third day, oat and pea meals are added to the bran, when the water used for 
moistening may be cool (but not too cold), and three pounds of mangel-wurtzels are given daily. 
The slop is increased in quantity, until all that is eaten at once is fed morning and night, and the 
roots are increased to six pounds for a noon feed, with a full supply of clover hay and water. This 
liberal feeding induces a heavy flow of milk, just what is required to make the lambs grow rapidly 
at that stage, and the ewes, as well, will often gain in condition. When the lambs are three weeks 
old, a separate division is provided for them to run into at will, where a mixture of ground oats, peas, 
and also bran, with oil cake [linseed] added later on, is fed. When turned to grass, the ewes are given 
some dry grain for a week or two, and when early forward lambs are wanted, the mixture is con- 
tinued all summer. Whether pre-maturity is wanted or not, all lambs are given an allowance of 
grain after weaning, about the 15th of July or August 1st. By this system, Fairview flock has pro- 
duced yearly averages per ewe of IJ-j to 13^ lambs, some weighing, year after year in September, 130 
pounds, and in 1883, a ram lamb, dropped in February, was exhibited from this flock at the Industrial 
Exhibition, Toronto, Canada, which weighed 175 pounds in September. 

" As a rule, ram lambs are not used, though no doubt an early, well developed one is quite 
capable of serving a dozen to twenty ewes without hurt, and with good results. When used on a 
large flock — 40 to 60 ewes — he is not allowed constantly with them ; is kept apart, fed whole oats 
and peas, with bran added, and turned to the flock a short time each evening. With half the number, 
a mature buck is run the whole day with the flock, kept separate at night, and fed grain. 

"The winter care of rams is similar to that given ewes before lambing, with the exception of 
double the quantity of roots being fed; and also some grain, if more than ordinary condition is 
required, as for show purposes, or for pushing on lambs to earlier maturity as shearlings. 

" Shearing is generally done before the sheep are turned to grass, in the beginning of Maj', 
though sometimes, if the weather is favorable, the wool is taken off a month earlier than that date. 
To keep the wool in good condition and prevent its being pulled, because of ticks or skin disease, the 
flock is dipped with tobacco water, or one of the patent sheep dips, early in the fall while the weather 
is mild. The lambs are dipped previously in May, when tobacco water is preferred, as it does not 
injure the tender skin, which the others are apt to do. After shearing, each fleece is carefully spread 
on a table, skin side downwards, all tags removed, and the sides folded toward the center until about 
18 inches in width, when it is tightly rolled from the tail end, and a rope twisted from the neck end, 
with which the fleece is tied up. When tidily done, it can be handled without breaking, and the 
manufacturer can sort at will. 

Very truly, Jno. R. Campbell, Jr." 

In Mr. Campbell's letter we have a clear exposition of the manner of handling 
sheep in a cold country, and one which cannot fail to be of value, not only to the 
breeders of sheep in a similar climate, but to breeders in any latitude. The object 
in breeding sheep is to rnake money, and the point with mutton producers is to secure 
great weight at an early age; Mr. Campbell explains very clearly the double advan- 



222 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SHEEP. 

tage he derives from this early forcing process, and shows a close acquaintance with 
the profit side of sheep account. 

Americati JSIcrinos. 

" Stanberry, Mo., July 23d, 1888. 

"Commencing at breeding time, when the ewes are supposed to be in lamb, the rams are separ- 
ated £rom the ewes, generally keeping all the rams in one fold, and in good thriving condition ; never 
allowing any to get thin in flesh, usually feeding regularly on the best of clover and timothy hay, 
whenever they desire to eat it; if this and the pasturage — which should be of the best, and always 
with pure water, easily accessible, is insutlicient for the growth of flesh, we give at least once per day, 
a feed of grain, about one gill to half pint each — -a mixture of three parts oats and one of wheat. 

" Through the breeding season, such feeding ought to be nearly, if not quite, doubled for rams. 
A remunerative plan is to separate the rams at night from the sight of the ewes, and to these as to 
all other sheep, give thin feed, of a wholesome quality, and in a strictly clean place, with ample room 
for all to feed without crowding. None of the brute creation is naturally more cleanly, and conse- 
quently for profit such rules must be adhered to. 

" With the ram, constitution and vitality cover 60 out of the 100 points, and from the lot, the 
most vigorous and strong (other things being equal) are selected for service. Ewes after having 
been bred, are allowed or required to take more of gentle exercise, with an abundant amount of nutri- 
tious pasture, and are supplied with well cured and timely prepared roughness, from grass, corn 
fodder, small grain straw, &c., to supply any deficiency caused by frosts or drouth; if necessary to 
keep or put into good strong flesh, be sure to add a grain feed, proportionate to the needs; — 300 well 
kept ewes will shear annually more wool and raise more lambs than 500 half starved. Especially at 
the approach of the lambing season do the ewes need extra care and feed. When the herdsman says 
'the ewes do not own the lambs,' he ought to be informed that the flock-master does not own his 
sheep, for ''tis the full udder that calls for the lamb,' and the dam can only supply to her offspring 
from what has first been given her. In proportion to the desire for the growth of the lambs should 
be the food supply to the ewes. If the lambs are intended for mutton, they ought to be encouraged 
to eat of grain as young as possible, say from eight to twelve weeks old, and all lambs will grow and 
thrive best that are weaned at about five to six months of age. They should be separated from their 
dams, and put on the most succulent pasture, and fed partially on grain for the first winter — for stock 
sheep, an amount sufficient for good thrift and growth; for the block or shambles, as much as is 
readily consumed till the butcher wishes them, let it be three months or three years. 

" Shearing and marketing of wool is an important part of this industry, and as a rule, from one 
to three cents per pound can be gained or lost in the way wool is handled, and as a rule from 10 to 
20 per cent., in the time of year this is done. Sheep ought to be shorn earlier in the season than is 
generally practiced, from which two great advantages arise: one is, that in the fall of year, or when 
inclement weather comes on, the early shorn has more protection ; and the other is, the early shorn 
will give annually a larger fleece for several reasons, among them: (1) that a large amount of wool, 
which some sheep naturally shed, is saved ; and (2) being clipped, prevents the habit ot shedding. 
I always shear as early as the weather will permit, not minding the month except for the show sheep, 
which, according to the rules of some of our Associations, put the limit not earlier than April 1st. 
I have never known any losses to newly shorn sheep except from their being exposed to wet, and 
have known more in June than in March. At shearing, all impurities should be clipped from the 
fleece, which should be carefully handled, not tearing, and being turned flesh side out on a clean 
table, folded together, and rolled up, and tied with specially prepared wool twine, suflicient, and only 
so, to keep in place; after which, keep the wool clean from dust, straw or other things, and if one 
has a desirable lot of wool with an attractive appearance, the commission man will find it, and the 
grower can sell at home, and know what he gets for it. This I have always done. 

Most truly, L. E. Shattuck." 

Mr. Shattuck believes is early shearing — a point on which we think he is quite 
correct. If sheep are to l>c shorn for a record, it is of course necessary that some 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SIIEEI'. 228 

system prevail, by which uniformity may he secured; but if a man is breeding for 
dollars and cents, and without regard to association rules, we see no reason why the 
shearing can not be done at least a week earlier than is generally practiced. Wc arc 
glad to note the point regarding milking quality in the ewe; too many overlook this, 
and seem to regard the ewe as an unchangeable machine — capable of just so much 
and no more in this direction. There is as much difference among ewes in milking 
quality as among cows: no one would make the mistake of breeding cows that could 
not support their calves, and yet this very thing is overlooked by one-half of the 
modern breeders of sheep. Mr. Shattuck is one of our most successful wool men, 
and his hints on handling the fleece and marketing the wool, may be read with profit. 

American Merinos. 

"Sowers, Texas, July 31st, 1888. 
* * * * 

"I have 300 acres of land located on Grapevine Piairie; the land is high and quite undulating. 
Soil mostly gravelly mesquite land; all fenced sheep proof, five wires — three barbed and two smooth 
— beginning with barbed at top and bottom; posts 16 feet apart. I began in the spring of 1885 with 
175 head Michigan bred ewes and five rams. On the 20th of October I begin breeding the ewes. 
To every 100 head I turn in one ram in the morning, and take liim out at niglit. On the second day 
after, I return ram to the flock, or a fresh one in his stead. I continue in tliis way until all the ewes, 
or nearly all, are with lamb, then I allow one or more of my best rams to remain with the flock until 
about Christmas, when I remove all the rams from the ewe flock until the following October. My 
land is divided into five pastures, all well shaded and watered. I do not allow my flock to run more 
than a month in one pasture before changing them around. 

" My flock is divided into three flocks — breeding ewes, rams and lambs, and are kept thus separ- 
ated the whole year round. I begin feeding as early in the winter as weather and condition of flocks 
demand, on sorghum, corn fodder, prairie hay, corn, cotton seed and sheaf oats. I limit myself to no 
given amount per head, but feed, according to the mildness or severity of the weather, about what I 
think they require and will eat up clean. During the cold and all of the wet weather of the year, I 
keep them housed in well-built sheds. My lambs begin coming March 20th, and are generally all 
through by the first of May. I castrate Iambs at two to four days old ; dock all at about one 
week to ten days old, and wean at four months. I shear about the middle of May, and sack the 
fleeces ' loose' in regular wool sacks. I have now 475 head of all ages — all full blood Merinos. In 
fair weather, I always feed liberally with salt and sulphur (one part sulphur to two parts salt) except 
to ewes in pregnancy. I shear but once a year, and fleece averages for entire flock from 11 to 12 lbs. 
Respectfully yours, C. F. Mills." 

We extend our compliments to Mr. Mills for the concise, clear and full account 
of his way of handling sheep. We have not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance, 
but his letter indicates that he understands his business, and will doubtless succeed. 



P A I^ T F O U I^ T H 



s^azi in 



LARGE BREEDS. 

PAGE 

Berkshires Chapter LI V 226 

Poland-Chinas 



duroc-j erseys 

Chester-Whites 

Todd's Improved Chester-Whites. . 
gothlands 



LV 229 

LVI 232 

LVII . 235 

LVIII . 237 

LIX 239 



MIDDLE BREEDS. 

Curtis Victorias Chapter LX . ■ 239 

Davis Victorias " LXI ... 240 

Cheshires " LXII.... .242 

SMALL breeds: 

Small Yorkshires Chapter LXIII .. - 244 

Essex " LXIV . 247 

Neapolitans " LX V ... 249 

English, OR Black, Suffolks " LXVI 249 

American, or White, Suffolks " LXVI I , . 250 

HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT. 
Chapter LXVIII 251 



226 BERKSHIRES. 



CHAPTER LIV. 



BERKSHIRES. 

As indicated by the name, this variet}' of swine originated in the county or shire 
of Berk, England. The old original Berkshire was a large, raw-boned, coarse hog, 
with lop ears; was black and white in color, with occasional red or sandy spots. 

Improvement of the breed was begun about the year 1780, by crossing with the 
Chinese hog; but it was not until Lord Barrington's time (1820-30) that the breed 
was brought to any degree of perfection. (It is stated by some authors, that the 
Neapolitan hog was the main source of Berkshire imj^rovement; this, however, is 
firmly denied by others, and we have nowhere been able to find safe authority for the 
use of the Neapolitan at all in this connection.) The methods pursued by Lord Bar- 
rington can only be surmised, but it is certain that he added much to the merits of the 
Berkshire breed, and achieved a reputation fully proven by the fact that nearly all of 
the English Berkshires trace their ancestry to his herd. 

Probably the first importation to the United States was made by John Brentnall, 
of New Jersey, in 1823. Some years later, about 1832, Sidney Hayes, an English 
farmer residing near Albany, N. Y., brought over a few head. Since that time num- 
bers have been imported, and the improvement made by American breeders has been 
so marked as to cause competent judges to decide in favor of the American-bred hog. 
Prof. Jas. Long, in his admirable work, " The Book of the Pig," speaking of breed- 
ing for exhibition says: 

" In America the Berkshire pig is much more extensively bred tlian witli us, and there is in that 
country' not only a very much larger number of breeders of pigs of an exhibition type, but there is a 
Berkshire Pig Association, which is supported by a large body of members, although English breed- 
ers, to whom the Americans originally came for the foundations of their herds, have hitherto lacked 
sufficient spirit and energy to carry anything of the kind to a successful issue." 

Although an English variety of swine, we piefer to accept the standard of 
American breeders, as outlined in the following 

DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN BERKSHIRE: 

Color black, with white feet, small white line in face, and a white spot at tip of 
tail. (Occasionally there is a small splashing of white on the arm, and sometimes spots 
occur on other portions of the body, but their presence is regarded with disfavor, and 
they are entirely excluded by breeders of the more fashionable strains.) The face is 
short, fine, well dished and broad between the eyes; ears erect or inclining forward, 
stiff at base, but so thin and delicate as to shake and tremble with every movement of 
the animal; jowl heavy; neck short and thick; shoulders deep and full; back broad 
and straight, or slightly arched; long ribs well sprung, giving roundness of barrel, 
and short ribs long and spreading, giving great breadth and fulness of loin. The hips 



BEUKSIIIKES. 



227 




228 



BERKSHIRES. 



are long, heavy, round and deep, bearing their flesh well down to the hocks; tail fine, 
small and set well up to the sacral curve; legs short, straight, fine-boned and set wide 
apart; body medium to long; hair fine, rather thin in fashionable strains, and skin 
elastic and pliable. 

The following Scale of Points has been adopted by the American Berkshire 
Association (Phil. M. Springer, of Sjjringfield, 111., Secretary ), and is now in gene- 
ral use: 



Color 4 

Face ;nid Snout 7 

Eye 2 

Ear 4 

Jowl 4 

Neck 4 

Hair 3 

Skin 4 

Shoulder 7 

Back 8 

Forward 47 



Forward 47 

Sides 6 

Flank 5 

Loin 9 

Ham 10 

Tail . ; 2 

Legs 5 

Symmetry 6 

Condition 5 

Style 5 

Perfection 100 



characteristics: 
The Berkshires possess great muscular power and extraordinary activity — this 
latter feature, indeed, is very generally considered a serious objection, inasmuch as too 
great activity is not conducive to an economical production of fat. The sows are 
noted for their prolifity, and the pigs when dropped are strong and lively. They may 
be fattened for market at any age desired, and when continuously and properly fed 
attain great size and weight. The average live weight of well kept shoats placed on 
the market at nine to twelve months old, should be from 240 to 300 pounds. When 
mature, a weight of from 500 to 650 pounds is not uncommon. Berkshire boars when 
used in cro--sing — or in grading up common stock — transmit, with considerable cer- 




BERKSHIRE BOAR, ROYAL GRANITE, 

l'l-,.l.LrtV nf M-KIN<.tK lines., S],!! II -huUl , III. 



li E |{ K S I III! ES POI.A N D C 1 1 1 N A S. 



229 




BERKSHIRE SOW, ORIENT MAUD, I 1936. 

I'mi'irly "f Sn<iN<.hi( Bkos., Spiiniihclil. III. 

taiiitv, all the valuable qualities of their breed. The objections uiged against them 
maybe summed up as follows: (1) They are too nervous and excitable, recjuiring 
very careful handling to secure best results; (2) their bone is too small — rendering 
them more liable to mishaps, such as hip-shot and broken legs — than are the larger- 
boned breeds. Where Berkshires are carefully handled and properly fed, we know 
of no better variety, but in the hands of the ordinary farmer, where attention is 
denied or partially withheld, they cannot be accorded first — nor, in our opinion, even 
second place. 

The large illustration, kindly furnished for our use by the Western Agriculturist, 
of Quincy, 111., is a fair representation of the breed, as are also the portraits of Royal 
Granite and Orient Maud. 



CHAPTER LV. 



POLAXD-CHIXAS. 

The Poland-China breed is one distinctively American in origin and type — 
originating chiefly in Wavren and Butler Counties, Ohio, where the type was soon 
fixed by the enterprising breeders of that section. It became known as a breed 
locally, under various names, — such as the "Warren County Hog" and the "Big 
Spotted," — about 1835 to 1840; but the now firmly established name, "Poland- 
China," was first oflicially adopted by the National Swine Breeders' Convention, held 
at Indianapolis, Ind., in 1872. 

The Big Chinas — large white hogs \vith sandv spots — ^vere taken to Warren 
County in 1816; the Berkshires were introduced about 1830; the Irish Graziers — 



230 POLAND-CHINAS. 

•white hogs ^vith sandy eve spots — about 1839; and the Bvfields — which are said to 
resemble the Chinas in form — about the same time. From a judicious blending of 
these different breeds, upon a basis of the best " native " hogs, supposed to have 
descended largely from original Poland stock, brought in by early settlers from Ger- 
many, we have the present Poland-China breed. 

Improvement of the breed has been largely the result of private individual enter- 
prise and skill — Mr. A. C. Moore, now of Canton, 111., and Mr. D. M. Magie of 
Oxford, Ohio, being especially deserving of notice in this connection. So much, 
indeed, have their labors been appreciated, that persistent attempts have been made by 
respective friends of these two gentlemen to name the breed " Moore " or " Magie," 
instead of Poland-China; fortunately, however, the name is too firmly settled to 
admit of change for reasons of a personal nature, and the friends of these prominent 
breeders must be content with simple credit for their recognized efficient work. 

description: 

Color, black and white spotted, sometimes black, sometimes white predominating; 
size, large — mature hogs weighing from 600 to 750 pounds, and shoats at eight or 
nine months weighing upwards of 250 pounds. The nose is medium, face neath' 
dished, head small in proportion to body, with large, thin, drooping ("lop") ears and 
full, heavy jowl. The neck is short, back straight, shoulders deep, girth large, ribs 
well arched, loins full and wide, hams ver}- heavy and legs short, with good sized, 
strong bone. In some specimens the hair is decidedly curly, but in a majority of 
cases the coat is straight or at most slightly wav}-, covering a skin of similar color and 
medium thickness. 

The following Scale of Points may be used in connection with the description 
g-iven: 

Nose 4 Forward 51 

Head 4 Back 6 

Width between eyes 4 Ribs 9 

Ears 5 Loins 7 

Jowl 3 Hams 12 

Neck 4 Hair 4 

Shoulders 9 Width of body 5 

Girth around heart 9 Legs 6 

Depth of body 9 

Forward 51 Perfection 100 

The scale has been subjected to a number of changes, but the above, we believe, 
has been more generally accepted than other arrangements. 

characteristics: 

The Poland-China has a stronger following among western farmers than has 
any other breed of swine, and, ^ve think, justly so; they are large, mature reasonably 
early, and long before maturity may be turned into pork at the highest market price. 
They are uniformly quiet, even lazy, and never lose flesh by reason of excitability. 
They have strong, firm bone, permitting a heavy load of fat, and rendering them less 



I'OI.AND-CHIXAS. 



231 




232 POLAND-CHINAS DUROC-JERSEYS. 

liable to mishaps when placed with fattening steers. On the- whole the western 
farmer can hardly find a better hog. 

In the South they have not done so well; reports from central and southern Texas 
indicate that the Poland-China is out of his element when taken below the central 
part of the state; and, in this respect, must admit the superiority of his red-haired 
brother the Duroc-Jersey. Our illustration is an accurate picture of a magnificent trio, 
bred by the well-known and thoroughly reliable firm, A. C. Moore & Sons, Canton, 
Illinois. 



CHAPTER LVI. 



DUROC-JERSEYS. 

In the following history of their origin, we are largely indebted to the report of 
Col. F. D, Curtis, Vol. I of the American Duroc-Jersey Record, compiled by the able 
Secretary of the Association, Chas. H. Holmes, now of Beatrice, Nebraska. 

At the first meeting of the National Swine Breeders' Association at Indianapolis, 
Indiana, 1872, a committee was appointed on "Jersey Red Swine," from whose 
report, as adopted by the Convention, we clip the following: 

"The positive origin of this family- of swine is unlinown. They have been bred in portions of 
New Jersey for upwards of 50 years, and with many farmers are considered to be a valuable variety. 
They are o£ large size, and capable of making a heavy growth, 500 and 600 pounds weight being 
common. Mr. David Pettit, Salem, Salem County, N. J., has known of these hogs for thirty years, 
and Mr. D. M. Brown of Windsor for nearly fifty years. They are now extensively bred in the 
middle and southern portions of New Jersey. In neighborhoods they were bred quite uniform, 
being of a dark red color; while in other sections they were more sandy, and often patched with white. 
They are probably descended from the old importations of Berkshires, as there is no record of the 
Tamworth — the red hog of England — ever having been brought to this country; nor is it likely as 
the Tamworth were not considered valuable swine, and were confined to a limited breeding." 

The name "Jersey-Red " was first used about 1870 by the late Joseph R. Lyman, 
at that time Agricultural Editor of the New York Tribune; and a Mr. Lippincott of 
New Jersey, was probably the first breeder to advertise under the name thus given. 

In the meantime, another strain of red hogs was finding favor in New York 
under the name "Duroc"; they were so called by Isaac Frink, a farmer living near 
Milton, Saratoga County, N. Y. Mr. Frink secured a pair of the pigs in 1823 from 
Mr. Kelsey, — the then owner of the famous stallion Duroc, — who stated that the pigs 
were "imported"; as to what was meant by the expression used, we can only infer, 
but it is probable that if "imported" from England, a name would have been imported 
with them; and since Mr. Kelsey called them simply "Red Pigs," we are justified 
in believing them brought from a distance — probably Queens Co., N. Y., where Mr. 
Kelsey formerly resided — but not imported from Europe. Mr. Frink could as well 
have named them "Kelsey" as Duroc, but the fame of the horse so overshadowed 
that of his owner as to doubtless warrant Mr. Frink's choice of a name. _ 



DUROC-JERSEYS. 



233 




234 DUROC-JERSEYS. 

These two families of swine, under separate names, were undoubtedly of the same 
origin; and this, probably, is found in the old red type of Berkshire, as pictured by 
Low, in his " Domestic Animals of Great Britain." 

That the two names represented one hog had been long recognized; and, after 
several attempts to effect an organization, the Duroc or Jersey-Red Swine Club met, 
in first annual session, at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Chicago, November 15th, 1883. 
During this meeting, there were some remarks about the propriety of leaving out the 
word "or" in the name of the Club, which finally resulted in changing the name to 
"Duroc-Jersey Swine Breeders' Association," as now known. 

Improvement of the breed has been very great, especially within the past decade. 
The old Jersey Red or Duroc was a coarse, heavy, raw-boned, lop-eared and "lank- 
sided" animal, whose greatest merit lay in his growth and feeding qualities; while 
his modern brother, as will be seen from the next topic, is among the best of economic 
breeds of swine. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color, cherry or sandj' red, without admixture of other tints; nose medium to 
short; face slightly dished, wide between eyes; ears medium, drooping, and jowl large, 
full and well rounded. The neck is short; shoulders broad and deep — bounding a 
chest of great capacity; back broad, and neatly moulded to long, deep ribs; hams ver}' 
heavy with low full twist; legs medium in length, with strong firm bone; tail well up 
but rather thick; hair soft, straight and shining — ^the whole combined with an action, 
not nervous, but vigorous and sprightly. To those who are familiar with the Poland- 
Chinas, we might briefly state that the Duroc-Jersey resembles them very closely in 
nearly all points except color. In size the Duroc-Jersey ranks among the largest of 
modern breeds, individuals weighing at maturit}' 400 to 700 pounds, and marketing at 
eight or nine months an average weight of from 175 to 250 pounds, dressed. 

They are quiet, ravenous feeders, good grass hogs, and bear forcing for market 
as well as any. 

In the South they have no superior, at least among the large breeds, as they 
never sun-scald, and adapt themselves readily to climatic conditions under which even 
the hardy Poland-China will not thrive. 

The cross of the Duroc-Jersey on the Essex, we regard as of more value for 
pork than the pure bloods of either breed, as they combine the size and forcing quali- 
ties of the former with the early maturity and fattening powers of the latter, in a very 
happy manner. 

The following Scale of Points, for judging Duroc-Jersey swine, to be used in 
connection with description already given, has been formally adopted by the Asso- 
ciation: 

Color 5 Forward 30 

Head 10 Shoulders 5 

Ears 5 Chest 10 

Cheeks (Jowl ) 5 Back 10 

Neck 5 Sides 10 

Forward 30 Forward 65 



DUHOC-JEKSEYS— CIIESTEIt-WHITliS. 



Forward 65 

Belly 5 

Hams 10 

Legs 5 



Forward . 



Tail . . 
Hair.. 
Action 



Perfection . 



Our 



Forward 85 

illustration gives an e.\cellent idea of this now popular breed of swine. 



235 

.85 



.100 



CHAPTER LVII. 



CHE STER-WHITES. 

The breed derives its name from the place of its origin— Chester County, Penn- 
sylvania. In 1818, a sea captain— James Jeffries by name— brought over from Bed- 
fordshire, England, a pair of superior white pigs, showing bluish spots in skin— since 
known as "Bedford" hogs— and placed them on his farm near West Chester, Pa. 
These pigs and their progeny, in connection with the Big Chinas, brought to Dela- 
ware County, Pa., about the same time, were used by the farmers of Chester County, 
in grading on a foundation stock of large, coarse white hogs— probably descendants 
of the old English Large Yorkshire— supposed to have been imported about 1811, 




CHESTER-WHITE BOAR. 

Property o£ N. G. Alex.\ndek, Dclavan, 111. 

until after many years of careful selection and judicious inbreeding, the Chester- White 
breed was brought before the American Farmer, and turned over to him for further 
improvement. 

The modern Chester-White is well known throughout the Eastern and many of 
the Western States, and has, at one time and another, found a place in most of" the 
mixed-bred herds in the Mississippi Valley. The writer well remembers the time 



236 CHESTER-WHITES. 

when a black hog was looked upon with more or less disfavor by a great majority of 
western farmers; and the Chester was at that time the hog sought for to improve and 
maintain the herd. One of the most prolific and valuable brood sows we have ever 
known was of this breed, a sow that for beauty and utility combined, would be hard 
to surpass; her owner, however, not fancying the white color, persisted in using a 
black boar, and declaring that the magnificent litters she brought owed their great 
excellence to the sire. 

Improvement of the Chester has been very constant. Our western farmers are, 
almost to a man, good judges and good handlers of swine; and those who have not 
been carried away during the last fifteen or twenty years by the popular tide in favor of 
black hogs have used their abilities to advantage in perfecting the Chester-White breed. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color, white — as name indicates — with hair of medium length, mostly straight, 
neatly parted on the median line, and in the best specimens, showing a handsome curl 
or rosette just over the loins. The head is of medium length, broad between the eyes; 
ears thin, drooping, pointed well forward, and showing a decided bend or " lop" near 
the point; neck short and thick; jowl large; body long and deep; back broad, hams 
large and rounded; legs short and squarely placed; tail small with brush of soft hair, 
and back and belly lines almost parallel. 

In size, the Chester-Whites rank with the largest, weighing at maturity 600 or 
700 pounds, and marketing at eight or nine months, a dressed weight of 175 to 250 
pounds. They do not claim early maturity, but no hog can surpass them, in favorable 
climate, for capacity to transform corn into fat pork in shortest time and at least 
expense. They are quiet, even lazy, and make excellent animals to follow steers in 
the feeding pens. The brood sows produce large litters, and are excellent mothers — 
the only objection we have ever heard on this point being that they are apt to be cross 
at pigging time, which is, perhaps, well founded. In the South, they have no place: 
the white breeds of swine cannot stand the severe summer sun of this latitude without 
danger of sun-scald, mange, or other troubles; and, while there are many breeders — 
and partisan ones too — of each of the modern white breeds in the South, justice toward 
all interests demands the above statement. 

The following Scale of Points for judging Chester-White swine, has been for- 
mally adopted by the National Chester- White Breeders' Association, and should be 
used in connection with description already given: 

Color 3 Forward 54 

Head 5 Loin 7 

Ears 2 Belly 4 

Jowl 2 Flank 3 

Neck 3 Ham 10 

Brisket 3 Tail 2 

Shoulders 6 Limbs 7 

Girth at heart 10 Coat 3 

Back 7 Action 5 

Ribs 7 Symmetry 5 

Sides 6 

_ Perfection 100 

Forward 54 



TODD S IMPISOX'IiD CHESTEU- VV M TIES. 



237 



CHAPTER LVIII. 



TODD'S IMPROVED CHESTER-WHITES. 

This breed has hitely forced itself into recognition among the farmers of Ohio and 
other western states; and we can do no less than grant its claim to the title of "breed," 
since it is already proven by the marked similarity of its pure-bred offspring. We are 
not personally familiar with the breed, but give the following account of its origin, 
and a description, based on letters from breeders, and the history as outlined by S. H. 
Todd in Vol. I, Record of Todd's Improved Chester-White Swine, which appeared 
in 18S5. 

" Kneeland Todd, took a boar of the breed known as 'Norfolk Thin Rind' — black belted with 
white — and a white sow pig of the Connecticut — so-called ' Grass breed,' to Ohio in 1834. Isaac 
Hoskins had moved to Wakeman, Ohio, from New Bedford, Mass., the previous year — 1833, taking 
with him at that time, a boar of the 'Bvtield' breed — large white, rather leggy and slow to mature — 
and a sow of the 'Auterdale' breed — probably identical with the 'Grass breed' above mentioned. 
These two gentlemen bred carefully and with good judgment, and finally bred the best animals of 
each herd together. At this juncture — 1848 — the twin brother of Kneeland Todd, bought a boar 
from Mr. Mead of Norwalk, Ohio, of what Mr. Mead called the 'Large Grass Breed,' and this boar 
was used on the Todd-Hoskin stock with great success. About 1863, the same gentleman purchased 
a white boar, with fine curly hair, called ' Normandy,' said to be of French oiigin. This proved to be 
a valuable addition, and the combination animal thus produced became quite well known as the 
' Todd Hog '. 

" Mr. S. H. Todd — a son of the originator of the Todd hog — in 1867 began crossing these animals 
with pure Chester-Whites, using in all some six or seven crosses, and finally producing what is now 
known as the Todd's Improved Chester-White." 




3r£d :iii:l cvviiea n D.H.WELCH . Wflkemnn .'Ohio.'"' 

TODD'S IMPROVED CHESTER-WHITE SOW. 



238 



TODD S IMPRO^'ED CHESTER-WHITES. 



DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color white, with, occasionally, bluish spots on skin; hair fine and thick ; head 
small; face slightly dished; ears fine, thin and drooping; jowl full; neck short and 
well arched; shoulder heavy; back straight, with broad loin; ribs well sprung, drop- 
ping to deep sides and low flank; hams deep and rounded; tail small, and legs fine 
boned and strairjht. 




l}wiicibyj H EATON", ^ucj/rus, Ohio 

TODD'S IMPROVED CHESTER-WHITE SOW. 

The following Scale of Points was adopted by the Record Association at their 
annual meeting, January, 1885: 



Head 7 

Ear 2 

Jowl 4 

Neck 3 

Brisket 3 

Shoulder () 

Girth around heart 9 

Back 6 

Side 7 

Ribs 6 

Forward 53 



Forward 53 

Loin 7 

Belly 5 

Flank 3 

Ham 10 

Limbs 6 

Tail 2 

Coat 3 

Color 3 

Symmetry 8 

Perfection 100 



Our illustrations, both of Chester-Whites and Todd's Improved Chesters, can 
hardly be said to do justice to their respective breeds, but will serve to illustrate what- 
ever of difference there may be between them. Many, indeed, are of opinion, that 
there should be but one breed of Chester-White swine, and maintain that the two 
breeds here given separate Chapters will soon be combined under a compromise 
standard of registration. 

Whether such may prove the result, or not, has no effect on the present status of 
the two breeds; they are given a separate class at fairs and exhibitions, and, if the 
combination is not made very soon, there will remain small probabilitv of a union at 
any time. 



GOTIII.ANDS \ICTORIAS. 239 



CHAPTER LIX. 



GOTHLANDS. 

This bleed, new to America, originated in Gothland, Sweden, and is said to be of 
remarkably pure descent, improved by care and selection, with few, if any, outcrosses. 

The first importation to America was made in 1880 by S. V. Anderson, who 
brought over a few head as an experiment. Since that time, they have found consider- 
able favor — mainly in Iowa and Illinois, and a Registry Association has lately been 
organized, of which Mr. Grant W. Spear, of Aurora, 111., is secretary. We are 
indebted to Messrs. White & Conover of Lynnville, Iowa, for the following detailed 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

"They have a medium sized head, rather short nose, small ear, slightly drooping, or leaning 
forward; and broad between ears, and with stout heavy jaw. Top and under lines, good, girth large, 
length good, loin broad, flank deep, with heavy ham and shoulders, ham extremely good; legs rather 
short, strong and well set; hair rather fine and very thick; skin smooth and flexible; flesh nicely marbled 
and of excellent quality, with small per cent of shrinkage in dressing. Most of them are spotted 
black and white, but some you will find nearly black, while others are nearly white, according to the 
fancy of the breeder. If fed mostly on nitrogenous foods they will grow to a very large size; or if 
early maturity is desired, by good feeding with plenty of corn and skimmed inilk, they may be 
brought to maturity much sooner, often weighing 350 to 400 pounds at one year of age. They are 
not coarse, but a hog of medium size; neither are they as round and chubby as the Yorkshire, but 
have a much larger per cent of lean meat and muscle. As to their health, they have proven them- 
selves to be exceedingly healthy and rugged; they endure our winters nicely, as they are a native of 
a cold climate. They are a quiet, docile animal, about like the Poland-China, which breed they 
resemble in their general make-up and disposition, more than any other of our native breeds, but are 
stronger and more vigorous. They make excellent mothers. 

" They are an excellent hog to ship, having as they do a short strong leg, strong heavy loin, and 
rather short back. Crippled and broken-down hogs are very scarce. They are a good hog to follow 
cattle as they are not easily disabled." 



CHAPTER LX. 



VICTORIAS. 

(originated by F. D. CURTIS.) 

There are, unfortunately, two distinct and separate breeds of swine, each called 
" Victoria." Col. F. D. Curtis of Charlton, N. Y., — well known as a breeder of fine 
stock, and a prolific writer on agricultural topics, — some twenty-five 3'ears ago, began 
a system of crossing with several varieties of English swine, in the hope of dropping 



240 VICTORIAS. 

the objectionable characteristics, and combining the good points of each in a separate 
breed. In this he has been successful, so far as fixedness of type is concerned, his 
breed receiving the following recognition and complimentary notice from the National 
Swine Breeders' Convention, 1872: 

" The family of pigs known as Victorias, originated with Col. Frank D. Curtis, Kirby homestead, 
Charlton, Saratoga Co., N. Y. They were made by crossing the Byfield hog with the native in which 
there was a strain of the Grazier. Subsequent crosses were made with the Yorkshire and Suffolk; 
the result being a purely white hog of medium size. The name has no significance, unless it is 
intended as a compliment to the English Queen. These pigs, if pure bred, should all have a direct 
descent from a sow called Queen Victoria, which may be said to be the mother of the family. She 
was pronounced by good judges to be almost perfect and was the winner of a number of first prizes." 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

We may best explain their peculiarities, by another reference to the above report, 
signed by the chairman of the committee, Chas. E. Leland: — 

"The color is pure white, with a good coat of soft fine hair; the head thin, fine and closely set 
on the shoulders; the face slightly dishing; the snout short; the ears erect, small and very light or 
thin; the shoulders bulging and deep; legs short and fine; the back broad, straight and level, and the 
body long. The hams round and swelling and high at the base of the tail, with plates or folds between 
the thighs; the tail fine and free from wrinkles, or rolls; feathers or rosettes on the back are common; 
the skin is thin, soft and elastic; the flesh fine grained and firm, with small bone, and thick side pork. 
The pigs easily keep in condition, and can be made ready for slaughter at any age." 

And now a word as to the unfortunate naming of these two distinctly different 
breeds. We have no interest in either breed, and shall try to give an impartial review 
of the case from both sides. To this end, we have placed them under separate head- 
ings, distinguishing each breed by the name of its originator. Would it not be the 
part of wisdom, since both parties seem so enamored of the present name — to call the 
breed just described the Curtis Victorias, and the other the Davis Victorias, 
each in honor of its founder? The breeds are certainly different, and must be disasso- 
ciated in the public mind. We make the suggestion in good faith, and earnestly hope, 
that breeders concerned will accept at least something equivalent. 



CHAPTER LXI. 



VICTORIAS. 

(originated by GEO. F. DAVIS.) 

A new breed produced within the last decade, by a judicious blending of the 
blood of four different breeds — Poland-China, Chester-White, Berkshire and American 
or White Suffolk. Previous to 1882, breeders of the Davis Victorias, were compelled 
to show their animals as grades at fairs and Fat Stock Shows; but at the annual meet- 
ing of the Illinois State Board, in the year mentioned, they were given a class by 
themselves, and were admitted on an equal footing with other swine, as forming a 



VICTORIAS. 



241 




DAVIS VICTORIA BOAR, DANDY, 



Orleans, La.; pr 



I and Cotton Exposition, Ne 



pure and distinct breed. At the Illinois State Fair in 1882, Mr. G. F. Davis, of Dyer, 
Ind., — the originator of the breed, — exhibited a small herd in competition with Chester- 
Whites, winning first and second prizes on boars, second on sows under one year old, 
and in the breeders' ring the herd premium of $25.00 for best boar and four sows. 
In 1885, Mr. Davis exhibited his herd at the World's Industrial and Cotton Exposition, 
New Orleans, La., his seven months old "Dandy" (see illustration) winning the 
grand sweepstakes over all breeds shown. Why Mr. Davis adopted the name 
"Victoria" we cannot see; possibly he was unaware of the existence of the Curtis 
Victorias, already described. Certainly Mr. Curtis has a prior claim to its use, but the 
point must be settled by breeders, and we predict will be settled to the satisfaction of 
all concerned. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color, white; size medium to large, weighing at ten to twelve months 300 to 400 
pounds; head small and finely dished, not so short as the White Suffolk or Small 
Yorkshire, with erect or only slightly drooping ears, and heavy, firm jowl ; back straight 
and broad; shoulders deep and square; hams full and low, and legs short, with fine 
but firm bone. 

The following .Scale of Points was adopted by the Victoria Swine Breeders' 
Association, at the Chicago meeting, June, 1887: 



Color 2 

Head 3 

Ears 2 

Jowl 1 

Neck 3 



Forward 11 

Shoulders 7 

Girth around heart 6 

Back 12 

Sides (5 



Forward 1] 



Forward 42 



242 VICTORIAS — CHESHIRES. 

Forward 42 Forward 77 

Ribs 7 Legs 3 

Loin 12 Feet 3 

Flank 2 Hair 3 

Ham 12 Action 4 

Tail 2 Symmetry 10 

Forward 77 Perfection 100 

Their breeders claim for them an unusual economy in production of flesh. The 
sows produce large litters and are good mothers; they stand board floors remarkably 
well, and it is claimed that they are not so susceptible to mange, scurf, sun-scald and 
similar troubles, which have made buyers — especially in the South — fight shy of white 
hogs in general. There is ample room for both of the Victoria breeds, and we are 
glad to notice their rapid advancement in public favor wherever introduced. 



CHAPTER LXII. 



CHESHIRES. 

At our request, Mr. R. D. Button, a leading breeder of Cheshires, Cottons, 
N. Y., very carefully prepared an outline of history and characteristics of the breed, 
and the article so nearly expresses our own opinions that, with some minor changes, 
and with Mr. Button's permission, we publish in full : 

"Jefferson Co., N. Y., is, without doubt, the birth place of this breed of swine, and to A. C. 
Clarli is universally conceded the honor of having given them a name and character. The sires he 
used were Yorkshires, belonging to that family of English hogs known as the 'Large White' breed. 
Breeders are not all agreed as to what dams were used; many believing that the first dam was a 
large white sow imported from Cheshire, Eng., to Albany, N. Y. She was taken to Jefferson Co., by 
Mr. A. C. Clark, and used as the leading factor in making up his herd. Mr. Clark was a breeder 
with sound judgment and good sense, and he early perceived the docility and motherly qualities of 
this dam and her progeny, and by judicious crosses and careful selections he in time produced a herd 
of swine that were uniform in size and characteristics. His herd was shown at many of the leading 
fairs of New York, and notwithstanding the fierce rivalries of other breeders, Mr. Clark carried away 
many of the honors for large white breeds. 

"There are breeders who profess to believe that the imported sow was a myth, and assert that 
Mr. Clark used only the best white sows of his neighborhood, and when he found a better sow than 
his, he bought and used her, if she proved a satisfactory breeder. We are, however, of the belief that 
the Albany sow was a truth and verity, and found that belief on repeated statements of Ezra J. Clark 
(Son-in-law of A. C. Clark, and afterward, owner of his herd), with whom we were intimately asso- 
ciated for a number of years in breeding, selling and exhibiting Cheshire swine. Mr. Ezra J. Clark 
always maintained that A. C. Clark bought and used the Albany sow as his prime factor, and all 
reports of buying and using only native sows had their origin in the fertile brains of rival breeders 
and exhibitors. Between 1850 and 1865 Mr. Clark was a leading breeder and exhibitor in New York, 
and fought both wordy and legal battles for his favorites. Business complications arising, he sold his 
interest and good will to Ezra J. Clark who associated with him Mr. McLean, and afterward Daniel 



CIIESIIIRES. 



243 



Green, under the firm name Clark & Green. In 1870 this firm made an exhibitat the leading western 
fairs, ending with the great St. Louis Fair, where they won the $500. 00 offered by the pork packers, 
for the best herd for packers uses. This breed had been widely disseminated during these exhibitions, 
but the low price for pork during the following years was so discouraging, that many sold or 
butchered their stock, and engaged in more remunerative pursuits. The old Clark herd was still 
retained in its purity, although greatly' reduced in numbers. 

"About 1875, several parties in Madison Co., N. V., were engaged in breeding Cheshires; and, 
with different ideas of what a Cheshire should be, bred for earlier maturity, and a shorter body and 
head. About 1882 a few of the proininent breeders began to talk of forming a register, and in Jan., 
1883, a call was issued for breeders to meet at Syracuse, N. Y. But little was accomplished, however, 
owing to jealousies between the different sections and breeders. Several subsequent meetings were 
held, and by mutual concessions, it was agreed to adopt the following 

DESCKIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS : 

" Head short to medium in length, short in proportion to length of body; face somewhat 
dished and wide between the eyes; ears small, erect, in old animals often pointing slightly forwards; 
neck short; shoulders broad and full, hips broad; body long, broad and deep; hams broad, nearly 
straight with back, and running well down towards hock; legs small and slim, set well apart, and 
supporting the body on the toes; tail small and slim ; hair fine, medium in thickness and quantity; 
color white, a few blue spots in skin not to disqualify, but objectionable. When grown and well 
fattened, should dress from 100 to 600 lbs. 

Scale of Points: To be used with description given above: 



Head 8 

Face 8 

Ears 5 

Neck 5 

Shoulders 10 

Hips 10 

Body 10 



Forward . 



Hams . 
Legs . . 
Tail . . . 
Hair.. 
Color . 



General appearance 10 

Perfection 100 



Forward 56 

" Cheshires are now given a separate class at most of the large fairs, and are regularly shown at 
the various exhibitions in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and other States." 

Another opinion reaches our hands as to the origin of Cheshire swine; and com- 
ing, as it does from the pen of Mr. E. W. Davis, of Oneida, N. Y., secretary of the 




^vvAxN^K^^A^^ni "--^ m(^))''M^^^}^ 



CHESHIRE BOAR. 

Property c.£ E. W. D.wis, Oneiil.i, X. V. 



244 



CHESHIUES SMALL YORKSHIRES. 




CHESHIRE SOW. 

Property of E. W. Davis, Oneida, N. Y. 

Cheshire Swine Breeders' Association, we have taken the Hberty to make the follow- 
ing extract: 

"The hog known as Cheshh-e, was first bred by A. C. Clark, of Jefferson Co., N. Y. He 
commenced with an imported Large Yorkshire boar, and bred upon the best common sows he could 
find. These common sows were all white, and were grade Suffolk, Small Yorkshire etc.; selections 
were carefully made from these, and after a time, another Large Yorkshire boar from imported stock 
was used. There was a storv that a sow was imported from Cheshire, England, but that is wholly a 
myth. I have investigated the matter carefully, and those who ought to know if there was ever any 
such importation know nothing of it, and unhesitatingly say, there was never any such importation." 

The above shows plainly a difference of opinion as to the reputed " Cheshire " or 
"Albany" sow; as it is simply a matter of belief with both parties — no definite proof 
being available on either side — we prefer to give the opinions as we receive them, 
without further comment than to say that both gentlemen are known to be careful, 
reliable breeders, thoroughly impressed with the superior merits of their favorite 
swine. In the South, Cheshires are scarcely known at all, and would doubtless fall 
heir to the same troubles which have thrown other white breeds into disfavor with 
southern farmers. 

The illustrations of Daisy 2nd and Vulcan — which were engraved after accurate 
sketches from life — give a good idea of the appearance of the breed. Mr. Davis writes: 

"They are not fancy pictures, but are the work of one of the best artists, and I instructed him 
to reproduce the animals exactly." 



CHAPTER LXIII. 



SMALL YORKSHIRES. 



This breed, which is quite well known in the United States, may be traced 
directly to the old York and Cumberland breeds of England; indeed, it may be well 



SMAI.I- YOIJKSIIIRES. 



245 



'ViM'V-',,'m 



j|i'U',|i-; 



p -< 



JO O 

E > 



K'* 



CO 'T'jr, 



3 C 

q o 



fc*. ■'., 



,*n 



'III 

1,1'.; I'l ' '.U' I' 



)ilililiilillillllllSlil»llia'''i'w'''''l!t'Wl!iNr 




I I'M /if I 

W * 



'WBi!lriWli1lliffll»WtHmiyMCT>mH1t^lll»t'll1lll»llltltlMWW mJ Jl'l 



246 



SMALL YORKSHIRES. 



claimed by their breeders, that the Small York is of line pure descent. Probably no 
other breed of modern times, save, perhaps, the Essex, is more nearly thoroughbred 
in fact, or has less admixture of other blood. The breed is peculiar to Yorkshire, 
England, and has been known as such for many years. 

Introduction into the United States was first accomplished about the year 1860; 
but it is only within the last few years that the Small Yorks have attracted much 
attention on this side of the Atlantic. A record has been established (Geo. W. Harris, 
of New York City, is the present Secretary), and the breed is quite prominently 
advertised in most of our agricultural and live stock publications. 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

Color, pure white with pinkish skin, occasionally darker spotted under the hair; 
size, small to medium — weighing, when mature, from 375 to 450 pounds. The body 
is short, rounded and deep; head, short; face, sharply dished; jowl and neck heavy; 
short fine legs, and thick rounded quarters. They are hardy, and well covered with 
hair — hence not so liable to mange and sun-scald as are many of the white breeds; 
they are quiet, excellent range or grazing hogs; and are remarkably prepotent — the 
pigs from York boars being uniformly white, and possessing the early maturing quali- 
ties of the breed in marked degree. In the .South, the Small Yorks do as well as any 
of the white breeds, but cannot compete with their colored rivals in hardiness. 

The following Scale of Points has been adopted by the American Small York- 
shire Club: 

Small 3 ^ 

Nose, Shortness of 5 I 

Dish of Face 3 I 15— Head. 

I Width between the Ears 3 i 

[ Ears— Small, Thin and Erect 3 J 

[' Top line Straight from Shoulder to Tail 5 

Bottom, or Belly line 3 

Length 10 

-j Depth 5 

I Width, even from Slioulder to Ham 5 

I Breadth of Loin 5 

y Flank, Deep and Full 3 

I Length, Vertical 10 

] Breadth, Front to Rear 5 

^ Thickness 10 

\ Breadth, Front to Rear 3 ) 

} Thickness 3 \ 

S Short 5 ) 

' Straight, feet set up 5 S 

^ Not too thin, nor ridgy nor coarse 3 ) 

( Free from eruption and discolored spots 3 \ 



Legs. 

Skin- 
Hair. 



y 35— Trunk. 



5 — Shoulders. 



10 — Legs. 



5 — Skin. 
5 — Hair. 



....-{ Full coat and Jiiie 5 J. 

Perfection 100 

Our illustration is a good likeness of the noted prize-winning boar Success 2nd, 
property of W. C. Norton, Agent, "Ridge Farm Herd," Aldenville, Pa. 



247 



CHAPTER LXIV. 



ESSEX. 



This breed takes its name from the county or shire of Essex, England, where it 
originated. The old Essexshire hog was large, gaunt and "slab-sided," with a color 
varying for each individual animal. About 1830, Lord Western imported from Italy, 
a boar and sow of the breed of Naples. According to Professor Long, he failed in 
his attempts to breed these black Neapolitans pure, and finally began crossing on the 
native breed. From Long's book of the Pig, we quote: 

"The result was highly satisfactory, and the new variety was commonly successful at every 
agricultural show at which they were exhibited." 




ESSEX SOW. 

Property of Fkank \\'ilsox. Jackson, Mich. 

Lord Western bred them a number of years, but they at last began to lose some- 
what their vigorous thrift and hardy constitution. At this juncture a tenant of his 
lordship — Mr. Fisher Hobbes — turned his attention to their breeding, still further 
improved them, fixed the type, and called them the " Improved Essex." 

In America, the Essex has become well known, particularly so at the South — 
Col. Richard Peters, of Atlanta, Ga., being one of the first importers, and, with Mr. 
Harris, of Rochester, N. Y., steadily pushing the Essex breed with all energy. In a 
recent letter to the Author, Col. Peters says: 

" I commenced breeding from the English stock in the year 1856, and have kept them pure, 
with some of the original blood in their veins, having obtained, with much difficulty, an occasional 
pure-bred to avoid close in-and-in breeding." 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

The modern American-bred Essex, is a small to medium sized hog, weighing 



248 ESSEX. 

from 250 to 400 pounds at maturity, black, or more properly, ash-black in color — with 
fine head, short nose, beautifully dished face, erect thin ears, heavy jowl, short neck, 
close " chunked " body, and short, firm boned legs. They fatten easily, range well, 
are not troubled with mange or sun-scald, and dress as large a proportion of live weight 
as any known breed. Where the larger hogs thrive, and corn is cheap, as in the 
western United States, we doubt much if the Essex can ever compare profitably with 
the Poland-China or Duroc-Jersey ; but in the South, where, unfortunately. Cotton is 
still King, we have not found its equal. We have heard some objections to the Essex 
because he " gets too fat;" we can only suggest, in answer to this, that we beg to be 
excused from a close acquaintance with a hog that gets too lean; tendency to fatten 
quickly means giving a greater return for food invested. In an experiment conducted 
under the direction of the Author, 1884, it was found that it took the following 
weights of food to produce 100 pounds of gain — live weight — with representatives 
of four different breeds: 

Essex, - - 285 pounds to produce 100 pounds gain. 
Duroc-Jersey, - 296 " " " " 

Poland-China, 300 " " " « 

Berkshire, - - 485 " " " " 

The Duroc-Jerseys were not quite pure bred, having a strain of Poland-China 
in their veins; the Berskhires were placed at a disadvantage by reason of a slight 
indisposition so that really they should be thrown out of the experiment altogether, 
but the Essex — thoroughbreds — showed the high assimilating power of the breed in 
a very substantial manner. For the southern farmer, we cannot recommend a better 
hog than the Essex, unless the Duroc-Jerseys shall, as they promise, still further 
improve. An American-Essex Breeders Association has been lately organized, with 
W. M. Wiley of New Augusta, Ind., Secretary, and the following Scale of Points 
has been adopted : 

Color 2 Forward 49 

Head 3 Loin 12 

Ears 2 Flank ; 2 

Jowl 1 Ham 12 

Neck 3 Tail 2 

Shoulders 7 Legs 3 

Girth around heart 6 Feet 3 

Back 12 Hair ; 3 

Sides 6 Symmetry 10 

Ribs 7 Action 4 

Forward 49 Perfecton 100 



N'EAl'OI-ITANS ENGLISH, OR lil.ACK SUFTOLK. 249 



CHAPTER LXV. 



.NEAPOLITANS. 

The Neapolitan, although not bred at present in the United States (unless, per- 
haps, a few may be found in the vicinity of New York), deserves a place among the 
breeds now known in America, from the fact — if for no other reason — of its having 
taken so important a part in the foundation of the Essex breed. The Neapolitan is a 
native of Italy, and is supposed to be descended from eastern stock, brought in by the 
early Italian voyagers. Youatt (Youatt on "The Pig") says of the Neapolitans, 
that they are '• black, or rather brown, with no bristles, and consequently delicate 
when first introduced into our northern climate." They resemble the modern Essex 
somewhat, but are almost destitute of hair, and the head and front parts are lighter 
and more bony. From the report of the National Swine Breeders' Convention, 
Nov. 20th, 1872, we clip the following detailed 

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEAPOLITAN: 

" Head small; forehead bony and flat; face slightly dishing; snout rather long and very slender; 
ears small, thin, standing forward nearly horizontal, and quite lively; jowls very full; neck short, 
broad, and heavy above ; trunk long, cylindrical and well ribbed back ; back flat and ribs arching even 
in low flesh; belly horizontal on the lower line; hind quarters higher than the fore, but not verv 
much so; legs very fine, the bones and joints being smaller than those of any other breed; hams and 
shoulders well developed and meaty; tail fine, curled, flat at the extremity, and fringed with hair on 
each side; general color, slaty or bluish-plum color, with a cast of coppery red ; skin soft and fine, 
nearh- free from hair, which, when found upon the sides of the head and behind the fore-legs, is 
black, soft and rather long; flesh firm and elastic to the touch." 

They are considered too delicate for American farmers, and will probably never 
be extensively introduced, unless the breed should undergo an almost complete trans- 
formation. 



CHAPTER LXVI. 



ENGLISH, OR BLACK SUFFOLK. 

In America, there is such a common impression that the Suffolk is a white hog, 
that it is necessary to treat of the two breeds under different heads. We have never 
-een a specimen of the pure Black Suffolk, but we give a description based upon that 
given by the best English authors of modern times. The origin of the breed is at 



250 ENGLISH, OR BLACK SUFI-OLK AMERICAN, OR WHITE SUFFOLK. 

best doubtful; probably the Neapolitans foimeil much of the basis of modern Suffolk 
excellence, and indeed some are of the opinion that the Essex, Black Dorset, and 
Black Suffolk are merely different strains of the same breed. According to descrip- 
tions and portraits, it would seem that the Dorset very closely resembles the Essex, 
but not so with the Black Suffolk, as will be seen from the following 

DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

The head is short; snout turning up, not quite so much as in the Small Yorks, 
but yet showing much of similarity to that well-known breed. The body is deep 
with welt sprung ribs dropping to flattened sides, and short, sm 11 boned legs from 
bulging quarters. Their characteristics may be summed up as follows: Early 
maturity; medium size, great aptitude to fatten, high dressing qualities, and a black 
color which withstands the effect of summer heat. 

We are not aware that any of the Black or English Suffolks are bred in the 
United States. The breed might find some favor here, but their white namesakes 
have become so well known and so widely disseminated, that it would be well nigh 
impossible at this late day to change the nomenclature of the breed. 



CHAPTER LXVII. 



AMERICAN, OR WHITE SUFFOLK. 

Is an undoubted descendant of the English York and Cumberland breeds, resem- 
bling the Small Yorkshire of to-day so closely in all points except size — Suffolks being 
somewhat larger — as to preclude any necessity for further description. Many writers 
class the Suffolk and Cheshire together as representatives of the " Middle White " breed 
of England. We believe, however, that Professor Long, in his " Book of the Pig," 
comes nearer the truth, when he states that the Suffolk as a white hog is only recog- 
nized in America, whereas in England — its supposed home — it has been absorbed into 
what he calls the " English Small White Breed," of which the Small Yorkshire is 
the representative in America. 

If we were to state any point of difference, other than noted above, between 
Suffolks and Small Yorks, it would be to compare faces. Yorkshire breeders have 
shortened in the face, and made a trifle sharper " dish " than is the case with the 
Suffolk. The latter is about the best type of the old Chinese hog that we now have, 
and displays such a tendency to extreme fat — "chuftiness" — as to amount, with many, 
to a decided objection. From the report of the National Swine Breeders' Conven- 
tion, 1872, we quote the following detailed 

DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN SUFFOLK: 

" Head small, very short; cheeks prominent and full; face dished; snout small and very short; 
jowl fine; ears short, small, thin, upright, soft and silky; neck very short and thick, the head appear- 
ing almost as if set on front of shoulders, no arching of crest; chest wide and deep — elbows standing 



AMERICAN, OK WHITE SUFFOLK HINTS ON SELECTION, CAKE, ETC. 251 

out; brisket wide but not deep; shoulders thick, rather upright, rounding outwards from top to 
elbow; crops wide and full ; long ribs, well arched out from back; good length between shoulders 
and hams; Hank well filled out, and coming well down at ham; back broad, level, straight from crest 
to tail, no falling off or down at tail ; hams wide and full, well rounded out, twist very wide and full 
all the way down ; legs small and very short, standing wide apart — in sows, just keeping belly from 
the ground; bone line, feet small, hoofs rather spreading; tail small, long and tapering; skin thin, of 
a pinkish shade, free from color; hair fine and silky, not too thick; color of hair pale yellowish white, 
perfectly free from any spots or other color; size, small to medium." 



CHAPTER liXVIII. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SWINE. 

The breeding and handling of swine is something of far more importance than 
is generally supposed by a great majority of our farmers — those who should be, really, 
best informed on the subject. The amount of pork that is consumed yearly in the 
United States is enormous, and gives something of an idea of the magnitude of the 
swine industry. Many seem to think that the breeding of swine requires only a little 
of the skill and foresight which is recognized as being of prime necessity in the hand- 
ling of any of the other races of domestic animals; but to such as have tried it we 
need not say the idea is a inistaken one. True it is, that not so much of close attention, 
and tender petting and care to keep them from the rugged blasts of winter, and the 
fierce, scalding heat of summer, is always given; but it may be stated as an axiom, 
that good care pays as well with hogs as it does with any other race of live stock. 
There is something fascinating about the feeding and handling of a yard full of swine 
— a sort of pleasurable excitement in, day by day, watching their growth, and noting 
their greedy appetites. Someway, the farmer always feels that an animal is gaining 
when it eats, and a hog that wont eat is not the one that makes the profit for his 
owner. 

We may state it as an indisputable fact, that no other animal sustains such a close 
relation to the farmer's profit and loss account, as does the hog, and the reason is 
obvious; there is always more or less waste — generally more — about a farm-house, 
that cannot be utilized in any other way than by feeding it to hogs. It matters not 
how careful the farmer's wife may be, she cannot prevent this constant waste from the 
table, and the pig-pen is the natural and legitimate avenue through which it can be 
turned to account. Every gallon of house-slop has a certain definite value, and, 
although it is impossible to rate its worth in dollars and cents on account of the fact 
that there is great difference in richness of the portions thrown from different tables, 
yet we may say in a general way, every four to seven gallons of such waste is equiva- 
lent to one pound of pork when properly fed in connection with grain or other food 
stuffs. 

Perhaps the most common mistake made by the average farmer, is to adopt one 



252 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SWINE. 

of two extremes — either feed entirely on dry corn, all the animals will eat, or allow 
them to range freely on what is supposed to be good grass, and expect them to 
grow fat and contented without other food. In the first place, no hog can stand 
full feeding on dry corn alone for many weeks in succession; he may not become 
diseased, so far as appearance and action are concerned, but the fevered condition 
due to feeding corn exclusively is sure to be there, and only time is required to 
bring it out. Do not think that we would underrate the value of corn in fattening 
hogs — we are too well aware of its importance in swine feeding to make any 
statements that are not j^retty strongly based on a good foundation — but we do 
question whether, as generally fed, there is not more loss than gain in its use. It is a 
mistake to suppose that when corn is cheap it can be fed at a profit, regardless of other 
conditions; the hog demands a variety, and will not give greatest return for time and 
food invested, unless this variety is given. More than this, the hog requires bulky 
food, not highly concentrated, and to provide this, something besides corn is necessary. 

Concerning the second practice, we may say : In a large section of the country, 
hogs are allowed to range on grass, and are fed corn to " harden the flesh," and pre- 
pare the animal for market; such treatment is little better than the other extreme, for 
it is no longer a disputed point, that hogs, full-fed on proper diet, will make a much 
o-reater relative return for food consumed, than if the same food is given, but in smaller 
quantity. We cannot protest too strongly against the custom of allowing hogs to run 
wild the first year (stock-hogs), and feeding heavily for a short time just before plac- 
ing' on the market; it is a waste in two directions: (1) loss of time, and consequent 
JOSS of interest on investment; and (2) a very great loss by reason of the constant 
exertion required to secure whatever sustenance they may from the grass at their com- 
mand; all exertion is work, and all work has a natural tendency to decrease the pro- 
duction of fat. It is urged in favor of this system, that while the hog is running at 
large, he is growing, and that if fed for early market, this growth will be lost; those 
who argue on this line forget that the object in raising stock of any kind, is to realize 
the greatest profit in the shortest possible space of time. There is only one reason 
(perhaps two) that should cause a farmer to carry over a stock of hogs to fatten 
the succeeding winter, and that is, market: we have always been of opinion that 
farmers are to blame, primarily, for the low prices at which their pork is sold; if they 
would get out of the old ruts, and pay off their debts in some other way than by 
sacrificing a crop at the lowest point of the market to do it, they would soon be in 
condition to bid defiance to the periodical depressions that affect the market; every 
farmer should study the maket as closely as he studies the weather, and when there is 
o^ood promise of better prices in the future, it may be profitable to hold. 

Another thing which is in favor of early and high feeding, is the fact that buyers 
pay more per pound for shoats — say, eight to ten months old, and this class of hogs 
is always in demand when old and "short-fed" hogs can hardly be sold at any price. 
To the practice of growing and selling the hog crop between tax dates — defrauding 
Uncle Sam out of his dues — we cannot forbear calling attention. The plan may be of 
doubtful propriety, but so long as taxes are rendered at a certain date each 3rear, the 
farmer can avoid taxes on his entire fat hog crop, as legitimately as can the banker 
bv collecting all the greenbacks possible to have on hand the first day nf January. 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OI' SWINE. 253 

The- sows ;irc bred about tbe niidilk- to the last of September of each year, bringing 
their litters about the middle to the hist of January following, and the pigs are fat- 
tened and sold at an age — anywhere from eight to eleven months, and out of the way 
before the next annual date for the rendition of taxes. It may shock some of the 
literal upholders of law to know that many farmers are actually doing this very thing, 
but sucli is the fact; the hog is to the farmer, what the greenback is to the money 
lender, and who shall dispute his equal right to use him in an equally legitimate way. 
While speaking of the proper food for hogs, we may notice some very interest- 
ing experiments that have been carried on — first by Professor Sanborn of Mo., and 
more recently by Professor Henry of Wis. — regarding the relative effects of fat and 
carbhydrates as compared with albuminoids in the production of flesh and fat in the 
body. According to these experiments, and they are certainly accurate, it is found 
that a diet made up largely of protein (albuminoids), causes a very much larger pro- 
portion of lean meat; while a diet composed mainly of the starchy elements (carb- 
hydrates) and fat, gives a very large proportion of fat, which is scattered through the 
body in bunches. To sum up, in the words of Professor Henry, the experiments 
show that when there is an excessive jDroportion of carbhydrates in the food, or a cor- 
responding deficiency of protein : 

" 1st. That there is an excessive development of fat not only on the outside of the muscles and 
beneath the skin, but also among the muscles. 

"2nd. That the muscles of the body fail to develop to their normal size, especially some of the 
most important ones, as those along the back. 

"3d. That an abnormally small amount of hair and thin skin results. 

"4th. That while the brain, heart and lungs do not seem to gain in weight, the spleen, liver 
and kidneys are unusually small. 

"5th. The amount of blood in the body is greatly reduced from the normal. 

"6th. The strength of the bones may be reduced one-half." 

The practical value of these results, to the farmer, has been disputed, but they 
certainly teach a very important scientific truth. The farmer wants to know the 
exact ration that will give the greatest gain in live weight — be it muscle or fat — in 
proportion to food consumed, always keeping the animal in healthy condition ; and it 
may be noted that, until buyers can be educated up to the point of appreciating the 
superior value of lean pork over fat, it will hardly pay to put any extra expense into 
hog feeding to obtain this large proportion of lean meat. The health of the animal 
is of prime importance, and we may be pardoned for saying that herein lies the great 
value to the farmer, of the lesson drawn from Professor Henry's experiments; it is a 
fact, as stated above, that corn is not a good food-stuff for exclusive feeding, and the 
experiments by the Professor, seem to show the reason. Corn is deficient in protein, 
and is not, therefore, a good food unless supplemented by something richer in this 
element. The remarks by Mr. T. G. Terry, before the Indiana Swine Breeders' 
Association, Indianapolis, Ind., January, 1888, illustrate very aptly the exact place 
filled bv the results of these experiments, and we quote his statements in full as 
reported in the Breeders' Gazette^ of February 1st, 1888: 

" I have made a good many experiments in feeding, commencing back in 1869, and have tried 
different plans, and last fall I made the most successful experiment in feeding for lean for my own 
pork. When I killed one of the pigs (a cross-bred Cheshire-Poland-China), it happened to be just 



254 HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SWINE. 

the time Professor Henry's experiments were published, and I will say that taking the center cut of 
the ham it did not have fat enough to fry it. The pig was six months old, and dressed 135 lbs. I fed 
it on oats, bran and shorts, and nothing else (no milk), and the verdict of those who ate the pork was 
that it was the nicest and juiciest ever put into their mouths. I am feeding all my pigs intended for 
familv pork in that way. It may cost more, but for our own eating we can afford it." 

This last statement contains the milk of the cocoanut. It may cost more, 
undoubtedly does cost more, to feed protein than to feed starch; the thinking, reason- 
ing, farmer will, therefore, feed just such proportion of this valuable ingredient as 
will bring highest returns in gross weight, and no more — since the buyer will pay no 
more for lean meat than for fat; but when it comes to feeding for the home barrel, 
we can afford to put a little extra expense into the feed in order to produce an extra 
amount of, that richest of all meats, lean pork. 

We had no idea of writing an essay on the feeding of swine, — the reader can 
(jhtain more valuable information from the statements of actual methods pin'sued by 
such men as are represented in the letters given below, and we must beg pardon for 
thus \vaudering so far from our intention in the preceding discussion. We may, 
however, state briefly a few points, as an aid in the selection of breeding stock, and 
trust the reader will find something of interest, if not of profit, in their perusal. 

The boar is by all odds the most important, if not the largest, half of the herd, 
and his selection should be made with the greatest care. We do not propose to give 
any advice as to breed from which he should be selected ; there are a good many 
breeds, and, from the preceding Chapters under Part Fourth, the reader may obtaiti 
that which will aid in choosing a breed best suiting his own peculiar conditions — but 
it may be stated, that a boar should combine the best of the dominant characteristics 
of the breed to which he belongs. He should be close, compact, shorter than the 
model, rather than longer, and should be sprightly, active and vigorous — even bold — 
in appearance. If breeding to secure any particular result, the boar should be selected 
with reference to the particular characteristics desired ; if breeding to sows too long 
and straight in the face — a very common fault — he should have an imusually short, 
and sharply dished face; if bred to sows inclined to be peaked and narrow across the 
back, he should have especial \vidth and fulness in these parts; if mated with sows 
that are inclined to lay on fat in bunches, he should be selected from a strain or breed 
that is noted for interlarding its fat and lean; in brief, select the boar with reference, 
always, to correcting whatever evils may exist in your herd, and you v\'ill obtain satis- 
factory results. 

The sow is selected with a view to modifying the impress of the male on their 
combined offspring. She controls almost entirely the number of pigs in a litter, and 
exercises a very important influence on their strength and stamina at the time they 
are ushered into the world. The sow should always be selected from a familv noted 
for its prolifit}' ; it is a well known fact that the quality of bearing either large or 
small litters, is one which runs in families, and when a so\v is selected for profitable 
breeding she should, by all means, be taken from one of these large bearing strains. 
The sow should be almost the opposite of the boar in many wa^•s — instead of 
being short and close-coupled, she should be long and rangy in her make up, especi- 
ally wide and deep at the pelvis, and with at least twelve well developed, prominent. 



HINTS OX SEI.KCTION, fAKK AM) M A X A(;KM KNT OK SWINE. 2<)0 

nipples. As a rule, better pigs, larger litters, and greater profits will be obtained from 
sows fullv niatincd in all respects; those who practice breeding young sows — turning 
them off for the market after one, or at most two litters, cannot compete with equally 
skillful breeders who breed only from mature sows. The sow should not be selected 
before she has reached an age of at least four or five months; about this time changes 
occur, which might lead to quite a different choice from selections made when the 
pigs were only a few weeks (lid. Ileallh and eonstitutidn are Iwn prime factors in 
profitable pork raising, and to secure liiese, both sow and boai' must have a large 
girth back of the fore legs, and be deep and wide in the chest. Clean skin; thin, 
soft, glossy hair; fine, delicate cars; short, neatly dished face; short neck, and fine- 
boned, trimly made legs, are sure indications, in either boar or sow, that the animal 
will be an easy keeper; while the reverse — long head, straight nose, and narrow or 
flat-sided body — almost always denotes a large appetite, and not always an equivalent 
return. A mean between these two types will, usually, be found more profitable, and 
there are many breeds now known that fill this middle ground to perfection. 

In the following letters will be found a good many solid facts; "nothing succeeds 
like success," and the breeders who have thus given iis the benefit of their experience, 
are all men who have made a success of the business of raising hogs — we advise a 
careful perusal : 

Jierks/itrcs. 

"Haw Hill, Springfield, III., Aug. 10th, 1888. 
* * * * 

" Whether pigs are to be reared and .sold for breeding purposes, or to be grown and fattened for 
market, our general rule is to breed the sows as nearly as practicable during the second week in 
November, the pigs will then come about the 1st of March following. 

" In this latitude, with the breed we handle, nine months is long enough to allow for the grow- 
ing and fattening of a hog; this brings the fattened hogs into market about the first of December. 
The first of March is also a good time to have pigs come that are to be reared and sold as breeders. 
Both they and those intended for pork have the summer on grass. Ail are thus more cheaply raised, 
are more healthy, make better pork product, and better breeding stock. We prefer a good boar 
from two to five years of age to one only eight to twelve months old, though the latter may give 
every promise of making a very superior animal when fully matured. A young boar, however, from 
an early spring litter, if properly taken care of through the summer, may be used with full grown 
sows in November, or better a month later. The pigs will hardly be inferior in size and vigor to 
those sired by an older boar, particularly if the sows bred to the old boar were young or not Avell 
matured. In fact, we keep two boars all the time, often three, and when we get one that is particu- 
larly to our liking we use him year after year, though not, except rarely, on his own get. At the 
time the boars are to be used in the fall, we wish them to be in good healthy condition; the young 
boar growing and the old one laying on flesh as fast as his restricted allowance of feed will permit — 
for he should not be fed all the rich food he can eat like a fattening hog, nor as much as a young and 
growing boar. After he has commenced service, he is fed more liberally, depending on the amount 
of service required of him; and so also with the young boar — his rations are increased, though only 
as needed, to keep him in good vigorous condition. 

"The condition of the sows at the time they are served is also a matter of importance. Having 
summered on grass, and being only moderately fat, they are taken up in October and put on a diet of 
more or less grain, depending on the weather. They take, as it were, a new start in growth, if young, 
or in laying on flesh if old. When they do this, and come in season, it is the right time to breed 
them. Thev are more certain to hold if served this time than later, or after thev become fat. One 



256 HINTS ox SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SWINE. 

good service is all that is needed. The sow is placed in a pen or yard by herself until fully over her 
heat. She is then put with others that have been bred. It is best not to keep more than four or five 
in the same yard ; two or three only would be still better, though it is more trouble to have so many 
small lots to feed, and more expensive making so many shelters. Some regard is also had to divid- 
ing them according to size. 

"The time of service is noted down, and time when due to farrow — counting sixteen weeks 
from date of service — is also noted. From the 18th to the 21st day the sow is noticed carefully, to 
see if she comes in heat again. If she does, she is served, and the new date recorded. About the 
middle of February, or two weeks before the pigs are due, each sow is put in a comfortable pen by 
herself, and well bedded. Here she is gentled by the feeder, to whom she soon becomes accustomed. 
Her feed during this time is such as will tend to keep the bowels open. Much use of dry corn is 
avoided. When she makes her bed, preparatory to farrowing, care is taken that she does not have loo 
much straw or litter to work with. Better have a warm or well-sheltered pen and less bedding, for 
there is much danger of the pigs being over-laid when the bedding is too plentiful or coarse. The 
pigs usually come strong, and soon find their way to the teats. If they are weak and helpless, it 
seems hardly worth while spending time with them. Half of a litter may thus be lost, and sometimes 
all, but if any survive they are apt to do better, and make us more money, considering time and 
trouble saved, than to have saved all. We are inclined to think the career of the runt pig, as a runt, 
begins before it is born, and comes from not being as well nourished as his fellows before entering 
life on his own account. The early back-set thus given the pig may doubtless be overcome, in a 
measure at least, by special care and liberal feeding afterwards. In cases of scarcity of stock, the 
extra attention given runt pigs, or those weakly at birth, may be made to pay well. 

" After the pigs are farrowed, the sow is given all the warm drink she will take. This is made 
bv scalding wheat bran and ship stuff with hot water, and then adding cold water and skimmed milki 
if the latter is at hand, until reduced to the right temperature. If given her cold at this time of year, 
she will go to her bed chilled and uncomfortable, but if warm and palatable, she will lay down and be 
quiet, while the little pigs will suck, sleep and grow strong. It is surprising how fast a few good 
fillings with milk, and a few good sleeps will send them along. 

"The feed of the sow is but little increased during the first week or ten days. By the time the 
pigs are three or four weeks old, if they have done well, they will have become a real burden to the 
sow, and she will begin to fall off in flesh rapidly, unless in the mean time her rations have been 
gradually increased in richness as well as in quantity. When four weeks old, the young pigs are 
offered feed in a trough by themselves, where it cannot be reached by the sow. They soon learn to 
eat, and with this help, thev grow still faster. When they are eight or ten weeks old, the sow is taken 
from them, or they from the sow, as is most convenient at the time. Before weaning, however, they 
are all carefully marked, and the marks recorded, so that the parentage of each may always be known. 
About two weeks before weaning, the males that are intended for pork-making are castrated. In case 
any of these are not fully recovered or doing well, they are left with the sow a few days or a week 
longer than the others. 

" A few weeks after weaning, all the young boars that are to be sold for breeding purposes are 
separated froin the others, and placed out of sight, as well as they can be, of other pigs or hogs. 
Thev are kept until sold, on grass, so far as practicable, in the orchard or small pasture, and fed on 
almost anything that happens to be available, only they are given very little corn. We prefer oats, 
rye, vegetables, purslane, and wind fallen apples. When we buy feed, it is usually wheat bran, ship 
stuff and oil meal [linseed] for making into swill with skimmed milk. 

"The sow pigs are kept and fed in much the same way, as are also the barrows and all intended 
for fattening for pork, except that these last are put on more of a corn diet, early in the fall. As soon 
as new corn is large enough, some is cut each day and thrown to the pigs, stalk and ear together, on 
the ground, while they are still in the pastures. Later, the feeding stock is separated from the breed- 
ing stock. We try to keep the latter in good growing condition during summer and fall, but from 
the 1st of September to the 1st of December the others are fed with a view to fattening as well as 
making growth. We aim to have them weigh from 225 to 250 pounds at nine months old, and to 
have them sold before winter sets in. The most of the breeders are also sold by this time, though 



JIINTS OX SEI.IX'TIOX, C A K K AND M A \ AfJKMENT OF SWIXE. iO I 

some of the young sows are always reserved to be bred in tlie fall and then sold during the winter as 
sows due to farrow in the spring. 

" In this hurried recital of our methods, little has been said of the kinds and quantities of feed 
given, simply because what can and should be used in our climate or locality, cannot perhaps, be had 
in another. The pig is as omniverous a feeder as is man, and can about as readily adapt himself to 
the circumstances of feed and surroundings as can his keeper. For similar reasons, nothing has been 
said of tlie construction of pens and shelters. Here, hogs do well with open sheds facing to the south. 
With a good and dry floor, thereby insuring to the hog a dry bed, he will not suffer much in winter if 
reasonably well fed. If warmer quarters are provided, less feed may be required, but it is hard to 
draw the line between, or explain in a few words the dangers or risks of warm and poorly ventilated 
hog houses, as compared with the advantages and safety of less expensive and more airy quarters. 

Phil. Thrifton." 

The writer of the abcive needs no introduction to tlic reading public. Tlie 
"Haw Hill" breeder is a Berkshire man all over, and one who has done much to 
advance the breed in popular favor. His methods are clearly outlined, and will fmu- 
ish an excellent jjnide for breeders of anv class of swine. 

Duroc- Jerseys. 

"PiNEWooD, Tenn., Aug. 6th, 1888. 
* * * * 

" We couple our sows early in November, which brings the farrowing time to the latter part of 
February or first of March. Pigs farrowed at this time will be ten weeks old by the middle of May, 
at which age they will have been weaned and ready for shipment, enabling us to get them off to their 
new homes before the hot weather of spring comes on. If bred for pork, we prefer that the farrow- 
ing should be a couple of weeks later, as the grass will, by that time, be a little further advanced, 
thus enabling the sows to suckle better. After the sows are bred we separate them from the herd 
and keep them in lots or pastures in which there is plenty of good water. We feed them so as to 
keep in thrifty condition, using the best variety of food that we can command. We usually feed 
corn, oats and cut sorghum. Sorghum we value very highly; it supplies the place of grass, as it is 
very sweet and juicy, and tends to keep the sows from becoming feverish, as they frequently do if 
fed on dry food all the time. We keep the vermin off by greasing the sows with any waste grease 
in which we put a little coal oil. We keep within their reach a mixture of 

Wood ashes 1 bushel 

Charcoal 1 bushel 

Salt % bushel 

Sulphur 5 pounds 

"A couple of weeks before farrowing time we remove the sow to a lot in which is a movable 
house 8x10, open on one side, which faces the south, the roof sloping toward the north. Into this 
house we throw a lot of hay out of which the sow makes her bed. The sow should be noticed a 
week before farrowing, and if her bowels are not open she should be fed warm bran slops which 
will generally open her bowels and prevent that feverish condition that is so often seen at farrowing 
time, and which causes so m.any sows to eat their pigs, or kill them by being restless, and lying on 
them. At farrowing time it is best to leave the sow to herself, as frequently sows are excited by the 
presence of some well-wisher, and in their efforts to drive off the intruder, kill the little pigs. After 
the farrowing is well over, and while the sow is quiet, remove any dead pigs and the afterbirth, as 
sometimes sows are caused to kill and eat their pigs by getting a taste of those that may be left 
dead in the bed. For the first day or so warm bran slops will be sufficient food to give her, after 
which the feed may be gradually increased until the pigs are two weeks old, by which time she 
should have all she will eat of as great a variety of feed as can be given her. When the pigs are a 
little over two weeks old they will begin to eat a little slop, which should be given them in troughs 
about three inches deep; warm kitchen slops will be most acceptable to them, after which cornmeal. 
made into a thin mush and well cooked, is much relished by them. At a month old we give them 



258 HINTS ON SEI-ECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SWIXE. 

meal raw, mixed in kitchen slops or cold water, in which a little salt is put; we sometimes give corn 
soaked in water for twenty-four hours, again dry corn, changing the feed to keep the appetite 
sharp. Care has to be exercised in feeding, as sometimes heavy feeding causes indigestion and 
scours which sets the pigs back several weeks, if it does not kill them. At the age of ten weeks the 
pigs are weaned and such as are suitable we ship or reserve for breeders; the others we castrate and 
spay, and place with the herd that is being handled for pork. Sometimes the pigs when a few days 
old are troubled by their tails and ears becoming sore. If not attended to promptly the tails fre- 
quently come off near the body. At the first appearance of the sores we wash the tails and ears 
with castile soap and anoint them with lard, in which a little carbolic acid and sulphur have been 
iiicorporated. Occasionally sows are observed to lie on their bellies and refuse to let the pigs suck; 
this is because the pigs bite the teats with the sharp, briery tusks; remove them with a pair of 
nippers, and the trouble will be removed and the pigs will be none the worse for the operation. 
Whether pigs are being bred for breeders or for pork the sows should be kept separate from the 
pork hogs, nor should many sows be allowed to carry their pigs in the same lot, for the reason that 
the oldest and strongest pigs will whip the smaller ones and appropriate their share of the milk 
as well as their own. Pigs that are destined to be killed for pork we place in the clover fields and 
give them daily a feed of dry corn to keep them gentle and to push them forward. Pigs farrowed 
in March should, if properly handled, average 200 to 250 lbs. by the middle of November. Those 
that come later are carried through the winter and killed the following winter or fattened and sold in 
June. .S. L. Graham •.V Son." 

The iSIessrs. Graham have uur thanks for their methods in detail. The anti- 
septic mixtiu-e (wood ashes, charcoal, salt and sulphur) which they use, is of much 
more importance than many suppose; hogs fed liberally on green stuff, and given 
free access to simple preventives of this kind, are the last ones to succumb to attacks 
of cholera and other dread diseases to which the hog tribe is subject. The plan of 
changing food at frequent intervals, to keep the appetite sharp, should be emphasized ; 
too many expect a hog to thrive on one particular kind of diet, and think all that is 
necessary is to give them plenty of it. 

Small Torkshircs and Bcrkshires. 

" Bermuda Park Place, Griswoldville, Ga., Aug. 14th, 1888. 
* * * * 

" We have had some experience both at the North and in the South in breeding, and find that 
this section — Middle Georgia — offers the same advantages for hog raising that is found at the North. 
It is true that some kinds of feed, such as corn, are more expensive, but as a compensation, so much 
is not needed. The pastures or fields furnish more or less sustenance at all seasons of the year, and 
are peculiarly rich in the fall, just before the fattening season; this lightens the expense of corn 
feeding. 

" We have made a specialty of Berkshires and Small Yorkshires. Other breeds would doubt- 
less do as well. In the Berkshire, we have size and weight, in the Yorkshire a compact form and 
quick growtli. They make a good cross for fattening purposes. We keep such numbers only as the 
farm will support. We have the sour milk from a dairy, and can manage five hogs and pigs to each 
cow in milk. This gives us the coarse slops for the larger hogs, and pure milk for the pigs, which 
are fed separately. We feed little grain in the summer, only enough to keep the stock growing. 

" We breed for two purposes — for sale as breeders and for use on the plantation. We do not breed 
nor dress for the shows. We have registered hogs that will go into the tub this winter. It is easier 
and cheaper to raise and fatten a thoroughbred Yorkshire than any grade known to us. In order to 
secure health, we have the hog lots on a hill side, with pens and sheds at the upper end, and an abund- 
ance of pure spring water at the other. We never pen our hogs except for fattening. We never 
clean them except to wash pigs infected with scab or some skin disease. Hogs clean themselves in 
the wallow as chickens do in the dust. It is safe to keep 50 or 100 hogs and pigs together, but beyond 



HINTS ON SELECTION, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF SWINE. 259 

that, remember, the danger of disease is increased. The males are changed every year or two. A 
good plan is for neighbors to exchange males frequently, thus insuring both health and vigor. 

N. G. Buff " 

Mr. ]5uff is a breeder wlio lias liad success with wiiitc hoj^s in the South, but he 
is located in a section that will compare favorably — as he say.s — with more northern 
localities in this respect. In other and less favored spots — as to water, pasture and 
elevation — the reports are preltv unifiirmlv aj^ainst white ho<^s in <jeneral, unless 
handled with great care. 



INDEX. 



llIiLstrutions in Hold Faced Type. 



Alxlallah 48, 53 

Aberdeen Angus 148-152 

Acme (Holderness bull) 103 

Adelaide (Holderness cow) 104 

Adelaide (Percheron mare) 11 

Advanced Register, Conditions for Admission 

to 82 

Albany sow 243, 244 

Aldernev 86 

Alexander's Abdallahs, The 48, 53, 54 

Alhambra 44 

Alien, Lewis F <.)i, 727, KA 

Almanzor 34 

Almonts, The 48 

American Eclipse 36 

American Holderness 103-105 

American Merinos 178 193 

American Star 44, 50, 54 

American (or White) Suffolk 250, 251 

American Thoroughbred, Origin of 35 

American Trotters 42-63 

Andrew Jackson 48 

Anglesea Cattle 133 

Ap Guilm (North Wales Black bull) 134 

Aquierre Family of Merinos 178, 183 

Arrow 54 

Atwood Merinos 183-183 

Ahvood Register J78, 182 

Atwood, Stephen, Certificate of 184 

Auterdale Breed (Swine) 387 

Ayrshire Group 95 

A yrshires 93-97 

Baldstockings, The 48 

Bard, The (American Thoroughbred) . 36, 37, 40 

Baron (Hampshire ram) 204 

Baron Valiant (Aberdeen- Angus bull) 14!) 

Bars First 64 

Bartlett's Childers 34 

Bariiiim, P. T .98 

Bashaws, The 46, 48 



Bay Filly 54 

Beautiful Bay 48 

Bedford Swine 235 

Beef Breeds 79 

Beef, Selection for 167, 168 

Belgian Draft 15-17 

Belle Hamlin 52 

Bellfounder, Imported 44, 48, 54 

Belmont (American Trotter) 45, 56, 58 

Berkshire tJroup 227 

Berkshires 226-229 

Betsy Malone 38 

Betsy Trotwood 50 

Big Chinas (Swine) 229 

Big Spotted (Swine) 329 

Bishop's Hambletonian 50 

Black Faced Heath Breed (Sheep) 195 

Blackhawks, The 48 

Black Suffolk 249 

Black-Top Ewes IH!) 

Black-Top Merinos 188-191 

Black-Top Register lllO 

Blaze 34, 42 

Blue Bull 50 

Blue Bulls, The 48 

Boars, Care of 355, 356 

Bolingbroke 115 

Bond's First Consul 46 

Bos Indicus 157 

Bos primigenius 137 

Bos taurus 157 

Boulonnais 17 

Bowman, J. H. & W. R , Methods of 76 

Brahmin Cattle 157-160 

Brahmin Group 159 

Breaking Colts 75, 76, 77 

Brilliant (Percheron stallion) 9 

Brittany luiU 109 

Brittany cow 109 

Brittanies 108-110 

Brown Hal 54 



264 



Bro-vn, Prof. Wm., Re fori of i27, 128 

Brown Swiss 105, 108 

Brown Swiss Cow 107 

Buchour (Brahmins) 157 

Buckden (English Shire stallion) 23 

Buffalo Girl 54 

Bulls, Care of 168, 169, 170, 171, 173, 173 

Bulrush 48 

Button, R. D., Letter from 242-343 

Byerly Turk 34 

Byfield (Swine) 330 

Cade 43 

Calves, Care of. . .168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174 

Calving 168, 169, 170, 172 

Campbell, Jno. R. Jr., Methods of 220-221 

Cannock Heath Sheep 200, 202 

Canadian Pony 69 

Cart Horse 19, 33 

Cattle, Selection, Care and Management 

of 166-174 

Cattle, Summary of Part Second 79 

Case, J. I., Letter from 53 

Caivdor, Earl oj 130 

Champions, The 48 

Cheshires 342-344 

Chester Whites 385-236 

Cheviot Ram 19(> 

Cheviots 195-197 

Chicago Horseman 40, 54, 56 

Chinese Swine 326, 350 

Clark Chief 50 

Clays, The 46 , 48 

Cleveland Bays 37-30 

Clingstone 2nd (Atwood Ram) 182 

Clotllilde (Holstein-Frioian cow) 83, 85 

Clydesdales 17-21 

Clydesdale Stud Book 19 

Coffin Joint Lameness 74 

Colts, Care of . 75, 76, 77 

Comet 115 

Conklin's Abdallah 54 

Contracted Feet 74 

Copper-bottoms, The 50 

Corns 73 

Cotswold Ewes 211 

Cotswolds 208-211 

Cows, Care of. . .168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174 
Crawford Belle (Todd's Improved Chester 

sow) 238 

Curb 74 

Curtis' Victorias 239-240 

Cuyler 50 



Cyclone (Hampshire ram) 203 

Dairy Breeds 79 

Daisy 2nd (Cheshire sow) 244 

Dandy (Davis' Victoria boar) 241 

Daniel Lambert 48 

Daniel Lamberts, The 48 

Darley Arabian 8, 34, 42 

Davis, E. W., Letter from 244 

Davis' Victorias 240-242 

Dehorning 130, 122, 146, 150, 171 

Delaine ewes I!t2 

Delaine Merinos 191 193 

Delaine Wool 191 

Demi sang 30 

Devon bnll 125 

Devons 134-128 

Dexter 50 

Dexter Strain of Kerries 112 

Dickinson ewes 187 

Dickinson Merinos 186-188 

Dictator (American Trotter) 4!>, 50, 56 

Dictators, The 48 

Dillon, Levi, Letter from 133 

Diomed, Imported 44 

Dipping 221 

Dobroy First 64 

Docking 223 

Dolly Varden (Hereford cow) 141 

Donovan 36 

Dorset Sheep 193-195 

Dorset Swine 250 

Draft Breeds 7 

Draft, Selection for 72 

Duchess Family of Shorthorns 115, 118 

DuclieSS of SmitllHeld (Ayrshire cow) «J6 

DuHays S 

Durhams 113 

Duroc 36, 44, 233 

Duroc-Jersey Gronp 233 

Duroc-Jerscy Record 232 

Duroc-Jerseys 232-235 

Duroc Swine 332 

Dutch-Belted Cattle 98-101 

Dutch Belted Cattle Herd Book . -. 08 

Dutch-Friesians 80 

Dutch mares 32 

Early Lambs 331 

Eclipse ; 34, 35, 44 

Edward Everetts, The 48 

Edward The Great (Dutch-Belted Bull) {»!» 

Elaine 54 



265 



Mlahic (tf Abeloiir (Aberdeen-Angus cow) 

iiiKl C'lilf 151 

EI(H-tioiieer 52, 54, 55, 56, 63 

Electioneers, The 48 

Klkwood (iO 

Emperor of Norfolk (American Tliorougli- 

bred) 38, 3»,40 

Engineer 43 

English Sliires 32-35 

English (or Black) Suffolk 249-350 

English Thoroughbred, Degeneracy, of 35 

Escurial Family Merinos 177, 183 

Escutcheon 167 

Essex 347 348 

Essex sow 247 

Ethan Allen 48 

Ethan Aliens, The 48 

Ewes, Care of 320, 221, 332, 323 

Exmoor I'onies 67 

Farceur (French Draft stallion) 14 

Fearnaughts, The 48 

Feather 31, 25 

Feeding for Fat or Lean 253, 354 

Fields, Wm. M. & Bro., Methods of 76 

Fireaway s. The 44 

Firenzi 36, 38 

Fish, N. S., Letter from 108 

Flanders Draft Horse 8, 15, 17, 19 

Flora 53 

Flora Belle 54 

Flora Temple 50 

Flukes 93 

Flying Childers 34, 35, 43 

Forest Breed (Cattle) 112, 124, 133, 137 

Founder 73 

Frances (Brown Swiss cow) 100 

Freelaild (Oxford ram) 207 

French Canadians 46 

French Coach 30-33 

French Draft 12-15 

French Merinos 177 

Frost, J. M., Letter from ' 160 

Fuller 54 

Fuyard (French Coach stallion) 32 

Gallipoli 8 

Galloway King- (Galloway bull) 145 

Galloways 144-148 

Garllt (English Shire stallion) 24 

Gem 54 

General Knox 48 

General Purpose Breeds (Cattle) 79 



George M. Patchen 48 

George Wilkes 50 

George Wilkeses, The 48 

German Merinos 177, 178 

Gestation in cows. Period of 157, 172 

Gestation in mares. Period of 69 

Gestation in sheep, Period of 223 

Gestation in swine. Period of 355, 357 

(Jilderoy {C\\ desdale stallion) IS 

(Jimcrack 44 

Godolphin Barb (Arabian) 8, 34, 43 

Gold-dust 48 

Goldsmith Maid 53 

Gossip Jr 54 

(iothlands 339 

Grand Bashaw 46, 48 

Grass Breed (Swine) 237 

Graves, C. A., Methods of 76, 77 

Green's Bashaw 48 

Green Mountain Maid 53, 54 

Green Mountain Moi gan, Hale's 48 

Guadaloupe Family Merinos 183 

Guernseys 91-93 

Guy 56 

Guy Wilkes 54 

Hambletonian, Bishop's 50 

Hambletonian, Rysdyk's 44, 46, 48, 50, 53, 54 

Hambletonians, The 48 

H-a-m-i-1-t-o-n-i-a-n 50 

Hamlin's Almont 52 

Hammond, Edwin, Certificate of 184 

Hampsliire ewes 205 

Hampshires 303-306 

Haphazard 44 

Happy Medium 50 

Happy Mediums, The 48 

Harold (American Trotter) 47, 53, 56 

Havering Nonpareil 3nd (Shorthorn cow). . . . 117 

Heat, Recurrence of, in Mares 77 

Heavy Carriage Breeds 7 

Helm, H.T U,i6 

Henry Clay 48 

Henry, Prof. W. A., Report of 253 

Herefords 137-144 

Herod Line (Horses) 34 

Hiatogas, The 48 

Holderness 102 

Holstein-Friesians 80-86 

Horned Dorset Group 194 

Horned Dorsets (Sheep) 193-195 

Horses, Selection, Care and Management of, 73-77 
Horses, Summary of Part First 7 



266 



PAGE. 

Hubback 115 

Uugfueuot (English Thoroughbred) 40, 41 

In-breeding defined 115 

Indian Pouy Group 70 

Indian Ponies 69-71 

Infantado Family Merinos 177, 183 

Irish Grazier Swine 829, 230 

Irish Longhorns 138 

Jay-Eye-See (American Trotter) j ^^ ;.^ ''' ^ '^^ 

Jersey bull 87 

Jersey Group .s!> 

Jersey-Reds 333 

Jerseys 86-91 

Jewett 54 

Johnson 54 

Joker (American Merino ram) 179 

Jolle 2nd (Guernsey cow) 92 

Journal Royal Agricullural Society 200 

Justin Morgan . 40, 48 

Kanucks 46 

Kentucky Prince 56 

Kerries 110 113 

Kerry cows Ill 

King Herod 34 

Knoxes, The 48 

Kyloes 160 

Lady Aldine (Dutch-Belted cow) 101 

Lady Rose 2nd (Todd's Improved Chester 

White sow) 237 

Lakenfield Cattle 98 

Lambs, Care of 331, 322, 333 

Laminitis 73 

Landseer's Fancy 90 

Large Breeds (Swine) 225 

Lebed First 64 

Leicester ewe 214 

Leicester Group 213 

Leicesters 213-215 

Leistou (Suffolk Punch stallion) 26 

Leamington 36 

Lexington 36, 40 

Lincoln Group (Sheep) 217 

Lincoln Horse 19, 22 

Lincolns (Sheep) 315, 218 

Lindsey Arabian 48 

Little Brown Jug 54 

Little Mack 54 

Little Minch 36 



Lord Derby (Cleveland Bay stallion) 29 

Lochlyoch mares 19 

Longhorns 128-130 

Lou^Iiorn steers 129 

Long Island Blackhawk 48 

Long, Prof. Jas 22G, 247, 250 

Long-wool Breeds 175 

Lord Preston (Lincoln ram) 21H 

Lou; Prof. David. ...22, 27, 35, 66, 93, 126, 

160, 164, 176, 193, 195, 197, 19S 

Lubezney First 64 

Lucy 54 

Matchem 42 

Magie Swine 230 

Magna Charta 48 

Main Register, Conditions for admission to. . .83 

Mambrino 42, 48 

Mambrino (American) 48 

Mambrino Chief 48, 50, 52, 54 

Mambrino Patchen 50 

Mambrino Paymaster 48 

Mambrinos, The 48 

Manzanita 54 

Marion 5th, of Castlemilk (Galloway cow) 147 

Marius (Shorthorn bull) 116 

Mares, brood. Care of 75, 76 

Marshall 120 

Marske 35 

Massena 90 

Matilda 4th 90 

Mattie Hunter 54 

Maud S 46, 47, 50, 52, 56, 59 

Maxey Cobb 50 

Mayflower 54 

McDoivcll, Jas 186 

Medley, Imported 44 

Meg Dods (Clydesdale mare) 20 

Merinos 176-193 

Merritt, Consul 216 

Messenger-Duroc 44, 54 

Messenger-Durocs, The 48 

Messenger, Imported 43, 44, 46, 48, 50 

Mexican Pony Group 68 

Mexican Ponies 67-69 

Middle Breeds (Swine) 225 

Middle White Breed (Swine) 250 

Middle- Wool Breeds 175 

Midnight 53 

Milk Mirror 167 

Milk Wedge 167 

Mills, C. F., Methods of 333 

Miss Hervey 44 



2f57 



Miss Russell 03 

Mohawks, The 48 

Moiiar(|iie (Belgian Draft stallion) Hi 

Montarco Family Merinos 178, 183 

Montgomery, W. ]i., Letter from 110 

Moore Swine 230 

Morfe Common Sheep 200 

Morgan, Justin 46, 48 

Morgans, The 48 

Morrills, The 48 

Mustangs 67 

"Native Full-bloods" 17 

National Live Slock Journal 112, UO 

National Stockman 191 

Navicular Disease 74 

Neapolitans 249 

Negretti Family Merinos 177, 178, 183 

Netlieiiaiid Prince (Holstein-Friesian bull). .81 

Nettie Norton 36 

Norlaine 54 

Norfolk 40 

Norfolk Reds (Cattle) 120 

Norfolk Thin Rind 237 

Normans 12 

Noniiaiidie bull 131 

Normandle cow 132 

Normandies 130-133 

North Devons 124 

North Wales Black Cattle 133^136 

Norval 54 

Olivette (American Trotter) aud Foal 43 

Orient Maud (Berkshire sow) 229 

Orloff Trotters 64 

Oxfordshires 206-208 

Pacing Blood 48, 50, 54 

Packard, Hon. S. B 131 

Palo Alto 54 

Pancoast 50 

Parole 36 

Part First, Summary of 7 

Part Second, Summary of 79 

Part Third, Summary of 175 

Part Fourth, Summary of 225 

Patron 50 

Patton Stock 115 

Paular Merinos 183-186 

Paulina (Red Polled cow) 1 23 

Pearl 46 

Pedigrees: 

Belmont 58 



PAGE. 

Pedigrees — Continued : 

Electioneer 62 

Emperor of Norfolk 88 

Jay-ICye-See 61 

Maud S 59 

Pennant 63 

Phallas 60 

The Bard 36 

Pembrokes 136 137 

Pennant (American Trotter) 56, 57, 63 

Perchero-Norman Controversy 10, 12 

Percherons 8-12 

Perc/ieron Stud Book s 

Perfection (Chester- White boar) 235 

Peter Piper (Red Polled bull) 121 

Peters, Richard, Letter from 158, 247 

Phallas (American Trotter) 50, 51 , 56, 60 

Phanix 115 

Pietert je 2nd 85 

Pigs, Care of 256, 257 

Pilot 46 

Pilot, Jr 46, 48, 50, 52, 54 

Pilots, The 48 

Points for Rejection (Horses) 73 

Poland-China Group 231 

Poland-Chinas 229-232 

Polkan First G4 

Polled Angus 148 

Polled Durhams IgQ 

Pony Breeds 7 

Potomac Mare 38 

Prince Bismark (Paular Merino ram) 184 

Princeps 52 

Princess 50 

Princess Family Shorthorns 118 

Prince William (Shorthorn bull) 114 

Prioress 36 

Rambouillet Sheep 177 

Rams, Care of 221, 222, 223 

Rarus 52, 54 

Ray, Jno. P., Letter from 183-186 

Red Polled Cattle 130-123 

Regulus 42 

Reversion, Case of 146 

Richball 54 

Rich Family Merinos 184 

Ringbone 74 

Rivers, Wm., Letter from 215 

Robinson Family Merinos 179, 181, 185 

Rowdy Boy 54 

Royal Georges, The 48 

Royal Granite (Berkshire boar) 228 



268 



PAGE. 

Royalty (Cleveland Bay stallion) 28 

Running Breeds 7 

Running Horses 83 

Rysdyk's Hambletonian 44, 46, 48, 50, 53, 54 

Sable 54 

Sable Wilkes 54 

Sampson 34, 42 

Sanborn, H. B., Methods of 74, 75 

Sanders, J. H 8 

Saxon Merinos 177 

Scandanavian Horses 27, 64 

Scott, H. B., Letter from 118 

Select (Guernsey cow) 91 

Selection for Beef 167, 168 

Selection for Draft 72 

Selection for Milk 167 

Selection for Speed 72 

Shattuck, L. E,, Methods of 322 

Shearing 221, 323, 333 

Sheep, Selection, Care and Management of, 

219-333 

Sheep, Summary of Part Third 175 

Sherman 48 

Shetland tJroup 65 

Shetlands 64-66 

Shorthorns 113-130 

Short-wool Breeds 175 

Shropshire Group 201 

Shropshire Record 202 

Shropshires 200-303 

Silesian Merinos 177, 178 

Simmenthal Cattle 154-156 

Simmeuthal Group 155 

Simplicity (Shorthorn heifer) 119 

Sir Charles (Hereford bull) 139 

Sir Hugfh (Ayrshire bull) 94 

Sir Peter 44 

Sleepy Tom 54 

Small Breeds (Swine) 325 

Small Yorkshires 344-346 

Smetanxa 8, 64 

Smiths, Powell & Lamb, Methods of 168-169 

Solid Color defined 88 

Snap 34 

Sol Tel (Brown Swiss bull) 106 

Sorrel Dan 54 

Sources of Trotting Blood 43, 44, 46, 48 

Southdown Group 199 

Southdowns 197-300 

Sows, Care of 255, 256, 257 

Spanish Cattle 164 

Spavin 74 



Speed, Selection for 72 

Spiletta 35 

Splint 74 

Springbok 36 

Stallions, Care of 74, 75, 76, 77 

Standard ( Cotswold ram) 209 

Standard bred, defined 54, 56 

St. Clair 50, 54 

Stericker, R. P., Methods of 75 

Stewart, Henry IIG, 118 

St. Julien 52, 54 

St. Lawrence 44, 46 

Stone, J.L 202 

Success (Hereford Bull) 143 

Success 2nd (Small York boar) 245 

Suffolk, Black (Swine) 249 

Suffolk Color (Horses) 25 

Suffolk Punch 25-37 

Suffolk Reds (Cattle) 130 

Suffolk, White (Swine) 350 

Sunol 56 

Superbe (French Coach stallion) 31 

Suprenant (French Draft stallion) 13 

Sussex Cattle 153-154 

Sussex Group - 1 53 

Sweeny 73 

Swine, Feeding of 353-354 

Swine, Selection, Care and Management 

of 351-259 

Swine, Summary of Part Fourth 235 

Tam worth Swine 232 

Tarentine Sheep 176 

Telegraph 54 

Ten Broeck 36 

Terra Cotta 36 

Terry, T. G 253, 254 

Texas Cattle 164^166 

Texas Steer 1 65 

The Bard (American Thoroughbred).. 36, 37,40 

The Trotting Gait 73 

Thoroughbred, defined 33-34 

Thoroughbreds 33-41 

Thoroughpin 74 

Thrifton, Phil., Methods of 255-257 

Todd's Imf roved Chester- White Record 237 

Todd's Improved Chester- Whites 237-238 

Tom Hal 48 

Tom Ochiltree 36 

Topsman 2nd (Clydesdale stallion) 20 

Trinkett 53 

Trotting Breeds 7 

True Briton 48 



>m 



Turf 42 

Turf, Field and Farm 56, .52 

Velocity 44 

Vermont Blackhawk 48, 53, 54 

Victoria (North Wales Black cow) 135 

Victorias, Curtis 239-340 

Victorias, Davis 240-242 

Volunteers, The 48, 52 

VonSchluembach, Letter from 154 156 

Vulcan (Cheshire boar) 243 

Warren County Swine 23!) 

Warren, J. B., Letter from 136 

TVarerly 43 

Waxana 56 

Welsh Ponies 66 

West Highland Bull 161 

West Highlaud Cow and Calf 1«3 

West Highlands 160-164 



TAGK. 

Wcstmont 54 

White & Conover, Letter from 239 

White Suffolk 250 

White Turk 34 

Wildair Breed 48 

Wildair Breed 48 

Wildflower 54 

Wild Forest Breed 112, 134, 133, 137 

Williams, Consul 130 

Windfall (Guernsey Cow) 93 

Woodbury 48 

Woodford Manibrino 52 

Wood, Jas., Letter from 204 

Wood's I lambletonians. The 48 

Wrililily ({liecn (American Merino ewe) ... 181 

rouall, IVilliam 22,24, 17(1, 212, 249 

Young Bashaw 46, 48 

Zebu Cattle 157 



ERRATA. 



Page 50— Fourth line from top of page should read as follows: " mares by 
Pilot Jr." &c. 
» 138— In the column of prices for Hereford oxen sold by Mr. Westcar, 

the sign "$" should be "1"." 
" 210— In its proper place, but is wrongly numbered 110. 



This Book was Printed and Bound under the Immediate Sui'ervision 

OF THE 

C. S. BuRCH Publishing Co., 170 Madison St., Chicago, III. 



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